ILLUSTRA 



iM;i$^i^$s$;i^$^ss^i^^^<i^;s$si$:^^ 







Pass . . ^ 




(Dorchester Heights in the Foreground — From an Old English Drawing). 




I90I. 

(From the Carney Hospital — Looking toward the Monument and High School). 

DORCHESTER HEIGHTS IN 1775 AND 1901. 



HISTORY 



OF 



SOUTH BOSTON 

(ITS PAST AND PRESENT) 



AND 



PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE 



WITH 

SKETCHES OF PROMINENT MEN 



BY 

JOHN J. TOOMEY 

AND 

EDWARD P. B. RANKIN 



ILLUSTRATED 



BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHORS 

J 90 J 



f 13 



Copy 


ight, 


1901 


JOHN J 


. T M E Y 




AND 




EDWARD 


P. B. 


RANKIN, 


All Rights 


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SOUTH BOSTON, 1901 



CONTENTS. 



SOUTH BOSTON OF THE PAST. 

I5y JOHN J. TOOMEY. 



Introduction ...•••• 

I_ Prior to 1630 — Boston, Massachusetts, New 

Enc.land, United States 

II. Arrival of the "Mary and John" — Dorches 

TER Settled ....•• 

HI. — Dorchester from 1630 to 1650 

IV. Daily Life of the Early Settlers ; Dress 

v.— The Church and School in Early Days 

VI. Dorchester and the Neck from 1650 to 1700 

VII. Wars of the Seventeenth Century . 

VIII.— Prominent Men of the Seventeenth Century 
IX. — Dorchester, 1700 to 1750 . 
X. — Dorchester, 1750 to 1775 ■ 
XL— Events Prior to the Siege and Evacuation 

OF Boston ,...■•• 
XII. — Dorchester Heights and Nook Hill . 
XHI. — Dorchester, 1775 to 1804 . • • • 
XIV.— Prominent Men of the Eighteenth Century 

XV. Annexation of South Boston to Boston . 

XVI.— Boston South Bridge — First to South Boston 
XVII. — The Boston Free Bridge . • • • 

XVIII.— South Boston, 1804 to 1830 

XIX. War with England, and Other Events 

XX. — Reminlscences, 1804 to 1830 
XXI —South Boston, 1830 to 1850 



Page. 

xi 



7 
16 

25 
32 
38 
43 
47 
53 
60 

65 
74 
93 
97 
100 
108 

113 
120 
132 
136 

147 



VI 



CONTENTS. 



Chapter. Page. 

XXII, — Reminiscences, 1830 to 1850 .... 160 
XXIII. — South Boston, 1850 to 1870 . . . .177 

XXIV.— The Civil W.\r 187 

XXV. — South Boston, 1870 to 1900 . . . -193 

XXVI. — The Spanish-American War . . . .210 

XXVII. — John Hawes and the Hawes School . . 217 

XXVIII. — Prominent Residents of the Nineteenth 

Century . . . . . . . .225 

XXIX. — Industries of the Nineteenth Century . . 231 

XXX.— Statistics of a Century ..... 240 



HISTORY OF CASTLE ISLAND. 

Bv EDWARD P. B. RANKIN. 



244 



SOUTH BOSTON OF THE PRESENT 

By EDWARD P. B. RANKIN. 



Introduction .... 
I. — North, East, South and West 
II. — Approaches and Bridges 
IIL — Topography and Thoroughfares 
IV. — Parks and Boulevards 
V. — Baths and Gymnasia 
VI. — Residences .... 
VII. — Memorials and Statues 
VIII. — Schools and Masters . 
IX. — Churches and Clergy; Cemeterii 

X. — Societies and Clubs 
XL — Public Buildings and Institution 
XII — Police Department 
XIII — Fire Department . 
XIV.— Industries 



263 
265 

285 
291 

303 
311 
316 
326 

355 
399 
413 
431 
442 

452 



COMTKNTS. Vll 

SOUTH BOSTON OF THE FUTURE. 



Page. 

Introduction — John J. Toomey .... 465 

Greater Unity of Public Spirit — Rev. R. J. Johnson 466 

How Best to Benefit the Co^niuNrrv — Rev. A. B. 

Shields ......... 469 

Local Pride and Home Patronage, Factors Toward 

Success — Matthew Hale . . . . . . 471 

Social Standing of the District — Dr. Thomas J. 

Giblin ......... 473 

Political Influence — Anonymous .... 474 



MEN OF THE TIME. 



Dedication of the Dorchester HEUiHTs Monument . 476 



P^rroks and Additions ...... 479 



Biographies and Portraits of Prominent Citizens . 481 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Page 

Doicliestei Heights in 1775 and lyoi 

Frontispiece 
South Boston in 1901 (map) Frontispiece 
Capt. John Smith (portrait) . • - 

Portion of Capt. John Smith's Map 

of New England .... - 

Capt. Myles Standish (portrait) 3 

Squanium Head .... 3 

Winthrop's Vessels in Salem Harbor 5 

Ship "Mary and John" ... 9 

(lov. John Winthrop (portrait) . 11 

Minot House . . • • ■ '7 

Blake House . . . . • 

Fourth Church Erected in Dor- 
chester, 1743 . . . . • 
Rev. Richard Mather (portrait) 
Mr. William Stoughton (portrait) 
South Boston, 172 5- 187 5 (map) 
Landing of Ihitish Troops in 1768 . 
lioston, with its Environs, 1775 and 

1776 (map) 

Col. Henry Knox (portrait) 
Gen. John Thomas (portrait) 
Cen. Artemas Ward (portrait) . 
Gen. Washington on Dorchester 
Heights . . . . ■ 

Washington Medal .... 
South Boston Lands and (Jwners, 
1805 (plan) . . - . ■ 

Boston, with Windmill I'oint (from 

Dorchester Heights) 
Boston, with Portion of Channel and 

South Boston, in 1828 (map) 
View of Boston from South Boston 
Old Toll-House on the Turnpike 
Thomas Cains' Residence 
Thomas Cains (portrait) . 
Noah Brooks' Residence . 
Brinley Block, "The Barracks" 
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, in 

1819 
South l>aptist Church, in 1830 . 
South Baptist Society's First 
Meeting- House .... 
i'hillips Congregational Society's 

First Meeting House (1823) . 
Phillips Congregational Church, in 

■8^5 

South Boston in 1825 (plan) 

Woods House ..... 

Rev. Fr. Drummond (portrait) . 



17 

35 
48 
49 
54 
62 

^'7 

75 
7 5 
75 

7 5 
91 

106 
109 

116 

I [8 



1-^4 
126 

127 
128 

128 



>3S 
140 
141 



Bird House ..... 

Adam Bent House .... 
St. Augustine's Chapel and Cem- 
etery, in 1828 .... 
Cutting Down Leek Hill . 
South Boston in 1846 (map) 
Mrs. Burrill's \' o u n g Ladies' 
Seminary ..... 
Perkins Institution for the Blind, 

1850 

Bank Note of the I*"ranklin ISank 
Murray House ..... 
House of Correction and House of 

Reformation, 1840 
House of Industry, 1840 . 
P'ourth Universalist Church, 1830 
SS. Peter and Paul's Church, 1848 . 
Capt. Nickerson's Residence 
Osborne I louse .... 

Spinney House .... 

Dr. Howe's House .... 

Thompson House .... 
Reception at South Boston Hotel 
City Point Hotel, 1833 
Alger Houses ..... 
South Boston, Vicinity of Dorchestei 
Heights, 1850 .... 

Mazeppa Engine i . . . . 

liigelow School, 1850 

Lawrence School, i860 

Enright House ..... 

"Pa" Holmes' Corner 

South Boston Hotel 

Old Blake House .... 

Lyceum Hall ..... 

Pulaski Guards Uniform . 

Hirdseye View of South Boston, 1893 

L Street I'.aths, for men and boys . 

South Boston and Vicinity, 1894 

Fort Point Channel, South Bay and 
Lower South Boston, 1879 . 

Point Pleasant House 

Coyne's Lobster House 

Point Breeze House .... 

Johnson's Landing .... 

Old Houses on Emerson Strtet 

Old 1 louses ..... 

Anthony W. P>owden Residence 

Maj. Michael J. O'Connor (portrait) 

Stone, Marking Grave of Maj. 
O'Connor in Calvary Cemetery 



142 
'43 

"44 
145 
148 

'49 

'5' 
' 5- 
161 

162 
162 
■63 
164 
166 
166 
167 
167 
168 
168 
169 
'75 

179 
181 
184 
184 

185 
185 

185 
i«5 
188 
191 
'95 
'97 
199 



207 
208 
209 



:i4 



Il.l.USTRATIUXS. 



IX 



Frank P. Collins (portrait) 

Officers for 1903 of Major M. I. 
O'Connor Camp 4, L. S. \V. V. 

Hawes Church, 1830 

John Hawes Residence 

Hawes School, 1823 .... 

Old Hawes School Masters 

Past Presidents of the Hawes School- 
Boys' Association 

Cyrus Alger (portrait) 

Isaac Adams (portrait) 

Daniel Simpson (portrait) 

Thompson Baxter (portrait) 

Miss Mary Baxter (portrait) 

Mrs. Mary S. I'eavey (portrait) 

Alger's Foundry, Exterior, from the 
South Ihidge, 1850 

Alger's Foundry, Kxterior 

Alger's Foundry, Interior 

South Boston Iron Foundry, 1875 

Shipbuilding in 1835 

Phcenix Glass Works 

Suffolk Glass Works 






2 I 



land. 



Castle William, 1757 
Views on Castle Island 
F2xploding Mines off Castle 

1898 

Portion of Sea Wall Damaged by 

Premature Explosion 



Oldest South Boston Residents, 1901 

(gioup) 

Marine Park and Pleasure Bay, with 

Bridge to Castle Island 
Marine Park and Pleasure P.ay, show- 
ing Farragut Statue 
Views at Farm School on Thomp- 
son's Island . . . . . 
Fleet of Yachts in Dorchester Bay . 
Yacht Clubs on South Shore of 
South Boston . . . . 
Dorchester ISay Life Saving Station, 
U. S. L. S. S. . .' . . 
Capt. Hamilton and crew- 
Dover Street Bridge 
View of Fort Point Channel, Roll- 
Lift and Emergency Bridges 
Former Old Colony R. R. Bridge 
I> Street Bridge, over Reserved 
Channel . . . . . 
Mt. Washington Avenue Bridge 
Summer Street Extension Bridge 

(over C Street) 
F'ederal Street liridge 
Summer Street Extension Bridge 
Congress Street Bridge 

K Street 

East Broadway, east from L Stree 
East Broadway, at extreme Point 
Dorchester Street, east fiom Broad 
way ..... 



218 

219 
220 
221 



!26 

126 
128 

;28 
:2g 
;29 



= 34 
-37 
= 38 
= 39 

= 53 
!58 



^59 
260 



2 66 

267 

268 
269 

270 

271 

271 

280 

28! 
281 

282 
282 

282 
282 

2«3 
284 
286 
286 
287 

:88 



Andrew Square 

Covington Street 

Marine Park — Looking toward Farra 

gut Statue .... 
Marine Park — Entrance from t h e 

Strandway .... 
Marine Park — Looking toward 

Broadway .... 
Marine Park — Beach and North Side 

of Headhouse and Pier . 
Marine Park — Headhouse and I>ath 

ing Beach .... 
Thomas Park (Dorchester Heights 
Independence Square 
Lincoln Park .... 
M Street Playground 
L Street liath-house (water view) 
L .Street Bath-house (land view) 
D Street Gymnasium (exterior) 
D Street Gymnasium (interior) 
Dana Estate (Duffy Residence) 
Dean Instate (Higgins Residence) 
Fallon Residence 
Glynn liuilding 
Stetson, Tufts, Naphen and Bradley 

Residences .... 
P'arragut Statue 
Lawrence School Tablet . 
Dorchester Heights Monument 
High School Tablet . 
Schools — High School . 
Headmaster A. D. Small (portrait) 
Bigelow School 
Master J. G. liassett (portrait) 
Hawes Hall and Simonds Schools 
Gaston School .... 
Benjamin Pope School 
Master Thomas II. Barnes (])ortrait 
Master 1. M. Dill (portrait) 
John A. Andrew School 
Ticknor School 
Lawrence School 
Master A. M. Leonard (portrait) 
Josiah A. Stearns (portrait) 
Larkin Dunton (portrait) . 
Samuel (J. Howe School . 
Parkman School 
Lincoln School .... 
Master M. P. White (portrait) . 
Tuckerman School 
Choate Buniham School . 
Norcross School 
Master F. O. V.Wis (portrait) 
Cyrus Alger School . 
Drake School .... 
Shurtleff School 
Clinch School .... 
Master H. C. Hardon (portrait) 
Thomas N. Hart .School . 
Master J. F. Dwight (portrait) . 
(_apen School .... 
Benjamin Dean School 



289 
290 

292 

292 

^94 

-95 

295 

297 

298 

-99 
300 

305 
305 
308 

309 
3'- 
3' 3 
314 
3' 4 



314 
3'9 
320 
322 

325 
3-8 

111 



334 
335 
335 
336 

r:>(^ 

337 

339 
339 
339 
339 
339 
343 
343 
344 
344 
345 
345 
346 
346 
347 
348 
348 



ilLLUSTRATIONS. 



PAfJF. 



SS. Peter and Paul's Parochial School 

St. Agnes Parochial School 

St. Augustine's Convent . 

St. Augustine's Parochial School 

German Primary School . 

South lioston Art School . 

Churches — Phillips C ongr eg a- 

tional Church . . . ■ 

Rev. C. A. Dinsmore (portrait) 
Phillips Chapel . . . ■ 

South liaptist Church 
Rev. F. M. Cardner (portrait) . 
St. Augustine's Chapel 
Bishop Cheverus (portrait) 
SS. i'eter and Paul's Church 
Bishop John J. Brady (portrait) 
St. Augustine's Church 
Residence of Monsignor D. O'Calla- 

ghan ... . . 

St. Monica's Chapel .... 
Monsignor D. O'Callaghan (portrait) 
Gate of Heaven Church and Rectory 
New Ciate of Heaven Church . 
Rev. Robert J. Johnson (portrait) . 
St. Eulalia's Chapel .... 
St. Vincent's Church 
Rev. George J. Patterson (portrait) 
Rev. John A. Donnelly (portrait) 
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary . 
Rev. John Chmielinski (portrait) 
Church of Our Lady Czenstochovva 
Lithuanian Church .... 
Rev. Joseph A. (Iricuis (portrait) 
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church 
Rev. \V. S. W. Raymond (portrait) 
Rev. Albert B. Shields (portrait) 
Rev. William H. Uewart (portrait) . 
Grace Episcopal Church . 
Church of the Redeemer (Episcopal) 
Rev. W. A. Mayo (portrait) 
City Point M. il. Church 
Dorchester Street M. E. Church 
Centenary M. E. Church (1840) 
St. John's M. E. Church . 
Rev. George Skene (portrait) . 
Broadway Universalist Church 
Rev. A. J. Cardall (portrait) 
Hawes Unitarian Church 
Rev. James Hu.xtable (portrait) 
Fourth I'resbyterian Church 
Rev. J. Kirkpatrick (portrait) . 
Hawes and Union Cemetaries . 
St. Augustine's Cemetery and Gate 
Columbia Y'acht Club 
Puritan Canoe Club .... 
Boston Yacht Club .... 
South Boston Yacht Club 
Commodore Simon (Joldsmith 
(portrait) ..... 

Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club 
Commodore Charles P. M coney 
(portrait) ..... 



352 
353 
353 
354 
354 
354 

356 
356 
357 
359 
359 
361 
361 
3t)4 
364 
366 

366 
366 
367 
369 
370 
371 
371 
373 
373 
375 
375 
377 
377 
37« 
37S 
379 
3S0 
380 
380 
3«i 
3^j 
3«5 
3S5 
386 

3S7 
3«7 
3S7 
389 
3S9 
390 
390 
39- 
39- 
394 
395 
400 
400 
400 
400 

400 
401 



Commodore Joseph E. Doherty 

(portrait) .... 

John H. Means (portrait) . 
City Point Catholic .Association 
Joseph A. Lyons (portrait) 

Michael J. Carroll (portrait) 
Dahlgren Memorial Hall . 
Maj. (George F. H. Murray (portrait) 
Carney Hospital . . . . 

Carney Hospital Enrergency Station 

Perkins Institution and Massachu- 
setts School for the Blind 

Episcopal Church Home 

Suffolk County House of Correction 

Col. John (.'. Whiton (portrait) 

William A. Witham (portrait) 

Municipal Court 

Richard J. Monks (portrait) 

Masonic Building and South Boston 
Savings Bank 

Thomas Hills (portrait) 

Officers of the Mt. Washington Co- 
operative Bank 

Police Station 6 . . . 

Capt. Dennis Donovan (portrait) 

Lieut. William Fottler (portrait) 

Lieut. Frederick J. Smith (portrait) 

Police Station 12 

Capt. Otis F. Kimball (portrait) 

Sergt. James E. Hickey (portrait) 

Sergt. Thomas F. Busby (portrait) 

Sergt. James E. O'Brien (portrait) 

Chemical luigine 8 . 

Hook and Ladder 5 . 

Engine 43 .... 

luigine 15 

l^ngine 2 .... 

Engine 38 39 . 

Combination Truck 4 

iMigine I .... 

Horseless Engine 38 

Asst. Chief John A. Mullen 
(portrait) 

District Chief Edwin A. 
(portrait) 

Hersey Manufacturing Co. 

Jenney Manufacturing Co. 

S. A. Woods Machine Co. 

Frank F. Woods (portrait) 

Murphy's — Belhesda Building 

William H. Murphy (portrait) 

James J. Murphy (portrait) 

Falvey Building 

J. H. Corney & Co.'s Store 

John P. Quigley (portrait) 

James E. Pray (portrait) . 

P. F. Carey's store 

Murray & Tregurtha Launch 

Dedication of the Dorchestei 
Monument 



B. F. D 
Perkin 



Heigl 



401 portraits of " Men of the Time " 



INTRODUCTION. 



At various times, toward the close of the 19th century, the idea of 
pubHshing a complete history of South Boston was considered and 
discussed by leading citizens of the district. 

The publication of Simond's History, in 1857, had been the only 
effort ever made. This, however, was incomplete, and said to be inac- 
curate. Then, again, much history had been made in the twenty- five 
years that followed, the busiest in the history of South Boston; and 
thus some were led to consider the matter carefully and to make plans 
for such a history. A few even began work on such a project, but the 
undertaking was of such great magnitude that none had the time or 
patience to complete it. 

For a long time prior to 1896 John J. Toomey had given the sub- 
ject considerable thought, and when, in October of that year, the 
South Boston Historical Society authorized Mr. Toomey, its secretary, 
" to consider the advisability of publishing a History of South Boston, 
and if, after such consideration, he favors the idea, that he make such 
plans and proceed to carry them out as he deems best," a very im- 
portant step had been taken toward the consummation of this idea of 
years. 

More than a year was then consumed in giving the most careful 
consideration and thought to the matter as to what form the history 
should take, what it should include, and how deep to enter into the in- 
cidents and events of the district. Multitudinous details had to be 
considered, and finally, early in 1898, the foundation was ready, plans 
were made, the form had been decided upon, and the general work 
was commenced. It was decided that the history should not only be a 
narration of events of the past, of the district itself, but Castle Island, 
so closely associated with South Boston, owing to its connection with 
the park system, should be given space. To show the result of a 
century's work in the advancement of South Boston, it was decided to 
devote a section to " South Boston of the Present," referring to the dis- 
trict in 1 90 1. With such magnificent achievements in a century 
serving as a shining example, and in order to stimulate sufficient pride 
and ambitions for still further progress in the years to come, the idea of 
" South Boston of the Future " was conceived, and thus the thought 
and advice of leading men was obtained, and the articles in that section 
were written. 

To the men and women of our beautiful district, the men and 
women of all decades, is due the credit and the praise for the work ac- 
complished. Whether by public interest or action, by word or deed, by 
honest business dealings, by the establishment of large business concerns 



xii INTRODUCTION. 

in the district, by every honest endeavor, or by their manifesting an 
interest in electing to pubHc office only men of the highest type of 
character, our citizens have ever displayed their pride and loyalty. In 
order to perpetuate the memory of some of the prominent builders of 
our district and also to further carry out the ideas of chapter 8 on page 
47, of chapter 14 on page 97, and of chapter 28 on page 225, the 
" Men of the Time," the fifth section of this volume, was planned. 

After devoting many months to a careful study of leading books of 
authority (337 volumes in all being consulted), Mr. Toomey was joined 
in his undertaking by Mr. Edward P. B, Rankin, a most valuable co- 
worker, who has given much of his time and labors to " The History of 
Castle Island " and to " South Boston of the Present." 

In carrying out the ideas thus formulated, the authors owe a debt 
of gratitude to the many who so willingly aided in this great work. 
Considerable space would be required to name the individuals who so 
willingly assisted and encouraged the authors throughout their task, and 
again some few might be overlooked, but mention must be made of Mr. 
William Cains, a life-long resident of South Boston, and one of its most 
devoted and loyal citizens, who furnished, through personal interviews, 
most valuable information concerning the appearance of the district at 
various periods after 1820 and the important events during his 87 years 
as a resident of South Boston. Born in 18 14, he has always lived in 
the district. To Mr. F'rancis E. Blake, a former resident, descended 
from the first Blake family of Dorchester Neck, author of the book 
" Dorchester Neck," and who, himself, once contemplated writing a His- 
tory of South Boston, is due the thanks and appreciation of not only the 
authors, but the citizens of the district, for valuable information, rare 
cuts and maps. Permission to reproduce the portrait of Gen. John 
Thomas (on page 75) was granted by G. P. Putnam's Sons, of New 
York, publishers of Irving's " Washington." It is the only portrait 
of that famous general in existence, having been taken from a photo- 
graph in the possession of his descendants. Permission was also granted 
by George \V. Armstrong for the reproduction of cuts of the old Hawes 
School and the school masters, in chapter 27. 

In completing the undertaking the authors feel that no important 
event or incident has been omitted, and that any question concerning 
the past or present of South Boston may be answered in these pages. 
The desire has been to tell the story of the history of South Boston 
in as pleasing a manner as possible, and to make the book of value as 
a work of reference as well as for entertainment. That South Boston 
is rich in historic substance, and should be honored in son^^ and story, 
is the burden of the tale told herewith. If it makes any inhabitant 
of this glorious little community any prouder of his home and his sur- 
roundings, the task set the authors has been achieved. If it can per- 
suade any man, woman or child in this sea-washed district to wear a 
higher head, because of the facts herein described, then the reward of 
the task will be secured. 



SOUTH BOSTON OF THE PAST 

By JOHN J. TOO ME Y. 



CHAPTER I. 



Prior to 1630 — Boston, Massachusetts, New P^ngland, 

United States. 

Proud old Boston — Importance of South Boston — Discovery of Cape Cod — Capt. John 
Smith explores the coast — Name given to New England — Religious difficulties in 
England — Pilgrims and Puritans settle in Massachusetts — Capt. Myles Standish 
visits Squantum — David Thompson locates at Thompson's Island — Patent secured 
by Rev. John White — "Massachusetts" derived from two Indian words — Win- 
throp's fleet arrives in Salem Harbor — Boston named in honor of Sir Isaac Johnson 
— Origination of the "United States." 

BOSTON, proudest of all the cities of a proud old Commonwealth, 
has no prouder section than that known as South Boston. A hilly 
peninsula thrust out into the beautiful harbor like the arm of a 
combatant on guard, it was the scene of the first and greatest militar)- 
triumph of the stout-hearted rebels, so soon to take their place as a 
nation at the council table of the world. P'rom South Boston heights, 
then called Dorchester, George Washington saw the retreating ships of 
King George IIP sail by and out, never to return as the ships of a sov- 
ereign nation to a home port. By the little redoubt on these heights 
Wa.shington stood and sent his mandate to a king's general, with twenty 
regiments of British regulars at his back, and when they and their com- 
mander hesitated he signified by his position on Nook PI ill that the 
time for choice had gone and the time for obedience had come. 

This evacuation freed New England from the presence of a British 
force and left the centre of anti-English hate for a recruiting ground 
for soldiers and a harbor of refuge for American privateers. 

When it is remembered that Massachusetts furnished 68,000 
troops to the patriot cause, more than twice as many as the next state, 
Connecticut ; more than all the states south of New York ; and that pri- 
vateers captured and destroyed $25,000,000 worth of PZnglish merchant 



IIIsroRV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



shiijpini;', beside furnishinL; supplies, ammunition, clothing and provis- 
ions to Washington's sore-pressed army in the subsequent hostilities, it 
will be readily seen that South Boston has reason for the pride which 
she takes in being the first scene at once and instrument in a triumph 
which has had such blessings and beneficences for the nation and hu- 
manity at large. 

The tale of New England has often been told, and will be told many 
a time again, for its story is the opening cantt)s in the epic of the 
American nation, and can never become dull so long as an American 
heart beats in an American breast. 




\^\ 



■^ V 



^,n<>'^'Infjl^jyc;i:.CiLvJU.K.s; j >.- / 



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lOtKU It' 



/'i^ '/.'.nJUiU, 



n^^or'' -'a ' ''oxii/'Siiitf,// 



psmf"^'- 



CAPT, JOHN SMITH 



Portion of Capt. John Smith's Map of New Engbnd. 



It began in 1602, when the foot of Capt. Bartholomew Gosnold of 
Falmouth, England, trod for the first time the sands of Cape Cod, — 
the first Englishman to behold a land which should later be the scene 
of such remarkable triumphs and still more remarkable defeats for 
Englishmen. 

Just twelve years later, while exploring the coast from the Penob- 
scot river to Cape Cod, Capt. John Smith, even then famous the world 
over for his explorations and discoveries, became quite familiar with the 
coast of that section. In his writings he refers to his arrival at a place 
about 43 degrees north latitude, which is the southwest corner of the 
State of Maine. 

It is further related that Cai)t. John Smith, in the summer of 1614, 
left his vessels engaged in fishing off the coast of Maine, and in a boat 
with ei^jht men entered what is now Boston Harbor. 



msTouv OK SOUTH I'.osrox. 3 

It is believed by eminent liistorians that he landed on what is now 
the Dorchester shore, carried on traffic with the \eponset Indians and 
then proceeded in his boat alon<;' the shore to Cape Cod. 

Maps that he published after his return to England make it appear 
that he \isited at the further end of Dorchester Bay. lie marked out 
on this map the bay which he entered, which was in the southwesterly 
direction and towards the Cheviots, now known as the lilue Hills. 

On this ma}:) he named the countr)- that he thus explored, New 
Enciand. 



5- 










'.-i-ii,:-^. 



MYLES STANDISH AND SQUANTUM HEAD. 

It was not until several years afterward that the settlement of 
New England was decided upon and then the foundation of the present 
beautiful state of Massachusetts was laid. 

At this time luigland was greatly troubled with religious difficul- 
ties. Two great divisions existed, the Roman Catholics and the Pro- 
testants, these latter divided into three antagonistic denominations, the 
Anglicans, or members of the English church, the Puritans, or non- 
conformists, who differed from the former in the disregard of special 
rites and observations, and the Independents or Separatists, who re- 
fused to sanction the founding of a national church on the ground that 
it was contrary to the law of God. 

The result of the people's determined objection to the dictations of 
King James I., the sufferings of the Separatists and the Puritans and 
their flight to Holland and their desire to found a new home for 



4 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

themselves in America, was the sailini;' of the Speedwell and the May- 
flower and the settlement of Plymouth in December 1620. 

In 1621 ten of the Pilgrims who had landed at Plymouth, 
including Capt. Myles Standish, accompanied by Scjuantum and two 
other Indians, journeyed north and at night anchored off Nantasket 
Head. They then proceeded westward into the harbor and landed at 
a place now called Squantum in honor of the Indian guide. A rough 
stone shaft at Squantum marks where they landed. 

Two years later Capt. Standish stopped at Piscataqua, on the coast 
of New Hampshire, and \isited David Thom})son, who had been sent 
from England by Mason and Gorges to superintend the trade estab- 
lishments at that place. In this year, 1623, Thompson \isited Boston 
Harbor and was the next luiropean to set foot on that territory. He 
then became familiar with the islands in the harbor. 

Leaving the ser\ice of the Laconia patentees in 1626, Thompson 
started in for himself and selected the island in Dorchester bay which 
now bears his name. He also selected Squantum, and thus became 
the first recorded white settler in Boston Harbor. 

In 1629 Thompson left the island and returned to England. It 
had been voted in London " that the Massachusetts Compan}' shall have 
the trade of beaver and all other furs solely for seven years," and thus 
individual enterprise was interfered with. In 1648, when David Thomp- 
son died, his son obtained title to the island from the General Court, in 
right of the former possession of his father. 

Urged on by the good reports from the Pilgrims, the Puritans de- 
termined to settle in America and establish a colony for religious lib- 
erty. The nucleus of this Massachusetts colon)' was the Dorchester 
colony. 

This D(n"chester colony was established for hunting and fishing at 
Cape Ann in 1623 and was dissohed in 1626, owing to dissatisfaction 
with the location. Those in charge of the colony under Roger Conant 
removed to Xaumkeag, now called Salem. 

A patent for Mr. Conant and others was secured in 1628 b) Rev. 
John White of Dorchester, England, and it conveyed to them "that part 
of New luigland l}'ing between three miles to the north of the Merri- 
mack River and three miles south of the Charles River and of every 
part therein in Massachusetts Bay." 

John PIndicott, leading representative of the Massachusetts Com- 
pany, arrived in Xaumkeag in 1628 and at the close of the year the col- 
on) numbered lOO. A local go\'ernment was established the following 
year with thirteen members to constitute the Board of Assistants, and 
John Endicott was chosen governor. The government was made sub- 
ordinate to luiuland. 



lIISr()R\- OK SOUTH BOSTON. 5 

The name Massachusetts is supposed to he derived troni two In- 
dian words, "massa, "' meaning " great" and " Wachusett " meaning 
"mountain place.'" Rev. John Cotton defined Massachusetts as "A 
hill in the form ot an arrow'-head, " and Roger Williams said that " Mas- 
sachusetts was so called from the l^lue Hills." Because ()f its broad 
and beautiful bay it takes the name of the "Old liay State." 

Through destiny or design, the colony was gradually directed 
toward that^place which was sodu after settled and named Boston. 

Ralph, Richard and William Sprague journeyed to Mishawam, now 
called Charlestown, and settled a town of lOO inhabitants. 





•^ 



.-■SH-"-" 



•'-'-■■€. ^: '"^^ 



WINTHROPS VESSELS IN SALEM HARBOR. 



It wa.s on August 28, 1629, that the government and })atent of 
the colony were settled in New England and the Commonwealth was 
started. July 8, 1630, a fleet of eleven vessels with 1,000 passengers 
representing all occupations and a goodly number of tillers of the soil, 
under John Winthrop, arrived in Salem Harbor. 

Salem was not satisfactory as a place of settlement and a majority 
of the Puritans, including those that had arrived in Winthrop's fleet, 
proceeded to Charlestown where they erected houses around the hill. 
While here they endured great hardships and before the end of Decem- 
ber there were 200 deaths. 

Their sufferings, particularly for want of food, were such that 
a further change was imperative. Some went west and settled 



6 HISTORY OF Sf)UTH BOSTON. 

Watcrtown, some Newton, now Cambridge ; others went to Roxbury, 
and a few, including Gov. Winthrop and Mr. Wilson, settled at Shaw- 
mut, and there laid the foundations of Boston. 

The Indian name of the peninsula was Shawnnut ; the inhabitants 
of Charlestown called it Trimountaine or Tremont, and at the first ses- 
sion of the General Court, September 17, 1630, the name of Boston 
was given to it, in honor of Sir Isaac Johnson of Boston, England, who 
was one of the principal promoters of the colony. 

In 1632 the General Court declared it to be "the fittest place for 
public meetings of any on the bay," and ever afterward it was the 
capital of Massachusetts. 

While all this was taking place, a small band of Puritans 
arrived from England and three months before the settlement of 
Boston they settled the town of Dorchester. 

It is also interesting to know that the best country in the world 
received its name from the Continental Congress, September 9, 1776, 
when it was resolved "that in all Continental commissions where here- 
tofore the words 'United Colonies' have been used, the style be altered 
for the future to ' United States. 



CHAPTER II. 

Arrival of the " jMarv axii John" — Dorchester Settled. 

Rev. John White, "Patriarch of Dorchester" — Temporary settlement at Cape Ann — 
Preparations in 1629 for the Dorchester Colony — Special qualifications of members 
of the party — Organization of the Church — " Mary and John" hails March 20, 1630, 
with 140 passengers — Trouble off Xantasket Head — Scouting parties seek for place 
to settle — Ideal place found at Mattapan — Landing made on south shore of what 
is now South Boston — Gov. Winthrop visits Dorchester — Settlers allotted plots 
within which to build their houses — Fort built on Rock Hill, now known as Savin 
Hill — Reason for naming the settlement Dorchester — Description of the town a 
few years after settlement — Indians — Grantees of lands before 1636. 

TO enable one to comprehend the story of South l^oston, it is 
necessary to show how it came about that the peninsula forming" 
that district grew so rapidly in population, and especially of the 
many great changes that occurred in the territory therein contained, 
to refer, as briefly as possible, to the very early history of that section 
of which South Boston, or as it was then called, Dorchester Neck, was 
a part. 

Dorchester was the earliest settled, ar.d in fact was one of the 
first towns established in New England. Dorchester Neck was a part 
of that enterprising town and for almost two centuries their histories ran 
together. 

It must not be misunderstood, however, that that portion now 
known as South Boston, was left unnoticed, for it was entirely owing to 
the excellent opportunities for pasturing their cattle that the early 
settlers decided to plant the town of Dorchester, and this pasturage 
was right where South Boston has since been built. Even within the 
first half century of the settlement of Dorchester, there were two com- 
modious residences built at Dorchester Neck. 

The territory originally known as Mattapan by the Indians, was 
settled about June 6, 1630. The 140 passengers of the good ship 
'• Mary and John " were the first permanent settlers. 

To no man more than Rev. John White of Dorchester, England, 
is due the sending out of that gallant band of Puritans. He was the 
acknowledged father of New P2ngland colonization, and no other man 
and no other country were more entitled to such a memorial or recog- 
nition for the introduction of permanent settlers here. 

He was frequently and justly termed " Patriarch of Dorchester," 
and he well deserved the title. Born in Stanton, St. lohn, Oxfordshire, 



8 IIISTOKV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

England in 1575, he was educated in Winchester and Oxford where he 
became a i)erpctual fellow, 1595. In 1606 he was appointed rector of 
the Holy Trinity Church, Dorchester, and held the position for 40 
years. He was a moderate Puritan and conformed to the Church of 
England, keeping the town in good order and was noted for his zeal in 
reforming the manners of the people. 

In 1624 he projected the new colony of Massachusetts for those 
who could not conscientiously conform to the discipline and ceremonies 
of the Church of luigiand. 

His residence in Dorchester afforded him acquaintance with 
persons engaged in the New England fisheries, and he was one of a 
party that formed an association and raised ;^3,ooo for the purpose of 
making a settlement on the shores of New England. He also had the 
much higher motive in \iew, one that he had long cherished, of forming 
a community in New England where all who felt themselves aggrieved 
by religious or political persecution might find refuge. 

This association directed several vessels to Massachusetts Bay in 
1624 and landed man)' men on Cape Ann. Discouraged because of 
misconduct of the people and also because of great pecuniary loss, 
Roger Conant, superintendent of the enterprise, with a few remaining 
settlers, two years later removed to Salem. 

This alarmed Rev. Mr. White and he feared the destruction of his 
pet project. In ever)- i:)Ossible way he cheered the little band of 
patriots; he wrote Conant to remain and have courage, and in 1628 
another vessel was despatched to Salem. Rev. Mr. White had secured 
the assistance of Sir Richard Saltonstall, Isaac Johnson, Matthew 
Craddock and others. 

In May 1629 the Massachusetts charter on the petition of this 
company, was granted. It received the great seal, and three ships 
sailed from the Isle of Wight with 300 passengers, including two 
ministers, Higginson and Skilton, for Salem. 

In the summer of 1629, Rev. Mr. White wrote to Gov. Endicott, 
who had been chosen the first Governor of Massachusetts, to appoint a 
place of habitation for 60 families who were to be sent from Dorset- 
shire, or Dorchester, as it was also called, and who were to arrive 
the following spring. 

He then made prei)arations to send out this band of Puritans. 
More than usual care was taken in making up the compan}-. It was 
determined that it should include such material as would compose a 
well ordered settlement and an independent community. 

To spread the gospel and inculcate true religious feeling and also 
to strive to bring the Indians to the faith, Rev. John Maverick and 
Rev. John Warham were chosen. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. Q 

Roger Ludlow and Edward Rosseter, two members of the govern- 
ment, chosen by the freemen and stockholders of the company in 
London, men of strong character and education, were joined to the band 
that their skill and wisdom might aid in preserving order. 

A large number of middle-aged men, with adult familes and good 
estates, were also picked out. Of these there were Henry Wolcott, 
Thomas Ford, George Dyer, William Gaylord, William Rockwell and 
W^illiam Phelps. Then there was a large portion of active, well-trained 
young men, earnest and zealous, either just married or without families, 
among whom were Israel Stoughton, Roger Clap, George Minot, George 




MARY AND JOHN. 



Hall, Richard Collicott, Nathaniel Duncan and many others. Upon 
such men as these it was expected that the more severe toils of the new 
settlement would devolve. 

To form a nucleus for a military body, three men of considerable 
military experience were chosen — Capt. John Mason, Capt. Richard 
Southcote and Quartermaster John Smith. 

This company of emigrants, gathered largely from the western 
counties of Devon, Dorset and Somerset, very few of whom had met 
before, assembled in the New Hospital, Plymouth, England. Rev. John 



lO HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

White was present and delivered to them a strong", fervent sermon. In 
the afternoon of the same day a church was organized and the Rev. 
John Maverick and Rev. John Warham were assigned to take charge of 
the flock. 

March 20, 1630, the company, numbering 140, set sail in the 
" Mary and John," a vessel of 400 tons, under command of Capt. 
Squeb. She was the first of Winthrop's fleet to start and it is said 
that the fleet numbered i i vessels. 

It was distinctly set forth in the ship's papers, that it was the 
Charles River, the spot indicated by Gov. Endicott, for which the 
passengers were destined, and Capt Squeb thus received his orders. 

The seventy days' voyage was without important incident, although 
it was sometimes stormy and many were sick. The vessel arrived off 
Nantasket Head, Boston Harbor, May 30. Either through ignorance 
and absence of charts and maps at that time, or through obstinacy of 
Capt. Squeb, he refused positively to continue further and would not 
go up to the Charles River. 

Appeals and threats of the passengers were useless and so the 
passengers and their goods were landed at Nantasket Point and they 
were left to shift for themselves. 

It is said that Capt. Squeb was afterward mulcted in heavy 
damages for failing to keep his agreement. It is interesting to con- 
sider, however, that had he brought the passengers to the Charles 
River there might have been a different history of Dorchester and 
South Boston. It is also noteworthy that, like the Robinson who had 
taken such a prominent part in the sending of the early Pilgrims to 
Plymouth, Rev. John White, equally prominent in the settlement of 
Dorchester, never set foot on the soil of Massachusetts. 

Rev. John White died July 21, 1648, after having succeeded in his 
desire to provide a haven of refuge for those seeking religious freedom. 
After a night's rest at Nantasket, eight of the passengers of the 
"Mary and John" with Capt. Southcote and Roger Clap, took one of 
the small boats and started off in search of a place to settle. Having 
in mind the Charles River as their objective point they rowed in that 
direction. Soon other boats went in other directions to also explore 
the coast. Many of those who remained on the vessel were in feeble 
health, made so by the long sea voyage. 

Capt. Southcote's boat at once proceeded up the harbor and 
reached what is now the peninsula of Charlestown. There were found 
several Indians and also Thomas Walfourd, a fisherman, living in a 
thatched hut. They did not remain long but continued up the river to 
Watertown and spent the night where now is the government arsenal. 
There they had a friendly interview with Indians, but the locality did 
not just suit them. 



IIIST()R\' OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



II 



A few clays later they receixed word to return at once to the ship 
as one of the other sct)uting' parties had found an ideal place at Mat- 
tapan, so called b}' the Indians. 

The scouting jKU't)' that had discovered this favorable spot was in 
charge of Roger Ludlow and Edward Rosseter, and in addition to 
being an ideal locatit)n, bordering on the sea, which was the principal 
advantage, the si)lendid (Opportunities for pasturing the cattle was a 
requirement that led them to make the decision to settle here. Almost 
the entire eastern portion of the territory was fine pasture land and 
further westward the soil was just suited for cultivation. 





f 





GOVERNOR JOHN WINTHROP. 



Considerable tlit^cult)' was experienced in getting the baggage 
and cattle ashore. It was a great distance from Nantasket to the point 
in Dorchester Ba}' where the landing was made. 

In their records and letters mention is made of a little projection 
from the land, and it states that just be}-ond this projection the landing 
was made. 

On the south shore of South Boston, between I and K Streets, 
there has always been a noticeable projection, and it has always been 
recognized as near the place, about at the foot of the present Old 
Harbor Street, that the passengers of the " Mary and John " landed. 



12 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Once ashore they immediately looked about for suitable locations 
to build their homes. Close to the landing seemed to be too marshy. 
While there were excellent meadows and fields, a beautiful outlook, yet 
the land was not of the best for dwelling purposes. 

So, taking up their burdens, they turned westward and finally 
decided upon the vicinity of what was soon afterward named Rock Hill, 
afterward changed to the present Savin Hill. It was the best place for 
building their dwelling houses and was the nearest point to Mattapan- 
nock where they intended to pasture their cattle. 

All was excitement then for several days. The rest of their 
belongings were transferred from the ship to their settlement. Men 
were employed in cutting timber and erecting rough huts or tents 
and others built neat little cottages. A few spent the time in exploring 
the neighborhood. In fact all who were not sick were bus}' doing 
something. 

Sunday, June 6, 1630, was observed as a day of rest and thanks- 
giving and the settlement of the town is reckoned from that day. 

Two weeks after the arrival of the Dorchester colonists. Gov. 
Winthrop, the second governor of Massachusetts, and his companions, 
with the other ships of the fleet, arrived at Salem, and three days after- 
ward he visited the Dorchester colony. 

During the months immediately following the settlement the 
people became more and more pleased with the location they had made 
and they were not at all sorry that they had given up the idea of pro- 
ceeding to the Charles River. Elsewhere they could get but little more 
than they enjoyed at Mattapan. There was excellent fertile land, good 
pasturage, friendly Indians, facilities fen- fishing, and above all, liberty 
and freedom. 

The settlers made their habitations compact and each had a 
certain plot or pale marked out within which every one was to build his 
house. A half acre was marked out as the size of the house lot within 
the pale. After the recoverey of those who had suffered from the sea 
voyage, good health prevailed for many months. The visit of Gov. 
Winthrop gave them added cheer. On his way back to Salem he 
visited the " Mary and John " and settled the difficult}' between the 
captain and the passengers. 

For the purpose of affording protection and for the general interest 
of those of the party who were trading men, a fort was built on Rock 
Hill and several pieces of ordnance were mounted near the waters 
edge. Though these stout hearted pioneers were devout in their faith 
they were also evidently confident in the efficacy of powder and ball. 

Soon, however, the channel was found inadequate for large vessels 
and the landing thus being difficult, the original intentions of some of 



HISTOKN' OF SOI TH 1U3STON. 1 3 

the traders to make it a commercial centre were abandoned and Boston 
and Charlestown became the ports of entry. 

September 7, 1630, the Court of Assistants ordered that "Tri- 
mountaine shall be called Boston ; Mattapan, Dorchester ; and the 
towne upon the Charles Ryver, Watertown." 

Why the name of Dorchester was given to the settlement has 
never beeen fully explained, but it is supposed to have been as an 
honor to Rev. John White, of Dorchester, England. That portion called 
by the Indians, Mattapan, was named Dorchester, and what was known 
as Mattapannock was named Dorchester Neck, until the annexation to 
Boston. 

In a description of the town a few years after the settlement. Woods 
writes : •' Dorchester is the greatest town in New England, but I under- 
stand that others equal it since I came away. It is well wooded and 
watered and has very good arable grounds and ha)' grounds. It has 
fair corn fields and pleasant gardens and there are a great man)' cattle. 
It hath a reasonable harbor for ships. There is no alewife river, which 
is a great inconvenience. The inhabitants were the first that decided 
to stay upon New England in the bay, but received so much fruit of 
their labors, that they encouraged others to the same undertaking." 

Josselyn describes it as follows : " Six miles from Braintree lyeth 
Dorchester, a frontire town, ]:)leasantly seated and of large extent into 
the mainland, well watered with two small rivers, and houses to the 
number of about a hundred and more, beautified with fair orchards and 
gardens, having also plenty of cornland, and store of cattle, counted the 
greatest town heretofore in New England, but now gives way to Boston. 
It hath a harbour and place for ships." 

When the Dorchester settlers arrived the Neponset Indians occu- 
pied the territory thereabouts. They were considered the residuary 
legatees of a much larger and more important Indian nation, the Massa- 
chusetts Indians, who occupied, previously, the circle which now makes 
Boston Harbor, from Maiden to Cohasset. The Massachusetts Indians 
numbered about 7500. 

Chicatawbot was the chief of the Neponset tribe and lived near 
Squantum Earms. He was regarded by Winthrop and others as the 
most important chief about the bay. Winthrop's sincere assurance of 
friendship prevented the government from fortitymg the peninsula of 
Boston. 

A deed of release of the territory was secured by the Dorchester 
people, from Josias, son of Chicatawbot, fort)- years after their arrival. 
This was considered a wise precaution and other towns quickly followed 
suit. 

As the Europeans continued to arrive the Indian tribes became 



14 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



reduced. One hundred years later there were scarcely one-fourth of the 
original number. 

Chicatawbot died in 1633 "f smallpox, leaving a family of small 
children. His brother, Cutshumaquin, succeeded him, but he was more 
under the influence of the colonial governor. 

The Indians had no use for land and willingly parted with it. They 
were generally depressed in spirits and willingly agreed with the 
settlers on material matters. 

The Indians confined themselves to a section near the Dorchester 
Lower Mills and here John T^liot preached to them in 1646. Mr. Eliot 
was much interested in their welfare and became convinced that they 
should have a retired place from the whites. Accordingly, in 1656, 
there was granted 6000 acres of land for their sole use, and this was 
called Punkapog. To this place they removed and in time became 
extinct. 

A list of the passengers on the first voyage of the " Mary and 
John " has not been preserved, but the following is an alphabetical list 
of all the grantees of land whose names appear on the Dorchester rec- 
ords before January, 1636, and comprise nearly all the first settlers: 



John Allen 
Thomas Andrews 
Thomas Bascomb 
John Ben ham 
John Brancker 
John Bursley 
Bernard Capen 
John Capen 
Joshua Carter 
Robert Clap 
Bray Clarke 
Joseph Clarke 
Augustin Clement 
John Cogan 
Richard Collicott 
Aaron Cook 
Robert Deeble 
Thomas Deeble 
Nicholas Denslowe 
Thomas Dewey 
Thomas Dimocke 
Nathaniel Duncan 
George Dyer 
Bigot Eggleston 
John Eeles 



William Hannum 
Thomas Hatch 
William Hathorne 
John Hayden 
Mr. John Hill 
Thos. Holcomb 
Joseph HoUey 
John Holland 
John Holman 
William Hosford 
John Hoskins 
Simon Hoyt 
William Hulbert 
George Hull 
John Hull 
Thomas Jeffreys 
Mr. Johnson 
Richard Jones 
Thomas Jones 
Thomas Kimberly 
Thomas Lambert 
John Leavitt 
Capt. Wm. Lovell 
Roger Ludlow 
Thomas Makepeace 



Mr. Pincheon 
Andrew I^itcher 
Eltwood Pomeroy 
Goodman John Pope 
William Preston 
David Price 
George Proctor 
Widow Purchase 
Philip Randall 
Thomas Rawlins 
Edward Raymond 
Thomas Richards 
Richard Rocket 
William Rockwell 
Bray Rosseter 
Hugh Rosseter 
Thomas Sandford 
Matthew .Sension 
Henry Smith 
John Smith 

Capt. Richard Southcote 
Ancient Stoughton 
M. Israel Stoughton 
George Strange 
William Summer 



HISTORY OF SOUTH IJOSl'ON. 



15 



Robert Klwell 
Richard Fay 
Henry Feakes 
Walter Filer 
Joseph Flood 
Thomas Ford 
Stephen French 
Humphrey (iallop 
William Gaylord 
Giles Gibbs 
Christopher Gibson 
John Gilbert 
Jonathan Gillett 
John Glover 
Ralph Glover 
John Goyt 
Fdmund Grant 
John Grenaway 
Nathaniel Hall 



Thomas Marshall 
Thomas Marshtield 
Capt. John Mason 
Rev. John Maverick 
Alexander Miller 
John Miller 
George Minot 
John Moore 
Fdmund Munnings 
Mr. Newberry 
John Newton 
John Niles 
James Parker 
Elias Parkman 
George Phelps 
John Phelps 
Humphrey Phinney 
John Pierce 



Thomas Swift 
Joshua Talbot 
Stephen I'erry 
Thomas Thornton 
Thomas Tileston 
John Tilley 
Francis Tuthill 
Joshua Tuthill 
Nicholas Upsall 
Rev. John Warham 
Henry Way 
John Whitfield 
Bray \\'ilkins 
Roger Williams 
David Wilton 
Henry Wolcott 
John Woolridge 
Henrv Wright 



CHAPTER III. 

Dorchester FR():\r 1630 to 1650. 

Settlers quite contented — Dorchester surveyed at an early date — Crops poor the first 
year and suffering consequent — Relief in the ship "Lion" — Dorchester boundaries 
extended — Privilege of freemanship to twenty-four residents of Dorchester — Change 
in ministers — Exodus to Connecticut — First town government — Arrival of eighty 
settlers in 1633 — Dorchester members of the first Massachusetts Legislature — First 
water mill erected — First burial place — Proportion of taxes October, 1 633 — P'ormal 
division of Dorchester Neck (South Boston) in 1637 — List of those having exclusive 
privileges by this division — Rules for pasturing cattle at the Xeck — Roads and 
paths before 1650 — The first street laid out in Dorchester led to the Neck — Topog- 
raphy — Counties first formed. 

TI^^MPORARY habitations erected, the work of the settlers was to 
advance the interests of their httle community in every way 
possible. From day to day they learned to be more and more 
content with their condition. The location just suited them, and as 
every one took hold and worked they were bound to succeed. 

The entire territory settled by these people and named Dorchester, 
was surveyed at an early date, including; all the salt mar.sh, fresh 
meadows and arable lands, and then there was a division into house 
lots and each received his share. 

There is no way of finding' just how the estates were allotted. It 
is not known just how much each family received or what rule was 
followed in making;' the allotments. The very early records have long 
since been destroyed. 

It is generally accepted, however, that the pecimiary condition of 
the persons, the number in family and other circumstances of a like 
natin"e were the determining factors. 

It is certain that a few of the larger estates were owned by stock- 
holders in England, according to the patent. 

These lands were ever regarded as the inheritance of the first 
settlers and their descendants. 

At the outset all was bright and prosperous and the prospects 
were the best. The supplies they brought with them were abundant 
and for a time there was plenty and all went well. Hut haxing arrived 
too late to cultivate the soil, at the end of the first wmter it was found 
the supplies were very low and for a time there was great suffering. 
Food became scarcer and scarcer. To many of them, with true 



HIST()R\' OF SOL rii ];oSl()\. 



17 



Christian spirit, it was accepted as a test of their courai;e and faith and 
all hoped and prayed for snccor. 

It is true, parcels of land and meadow had been granted to the 
several settlers, but the first year they produced nothing. 

From a diary of Capt. Roger Clap is taken an expression of the 
situation. " Oh, the hunger that many suffered for the want of pro- 
visions," he writes, " and they saw no hope of immediate supply. 
Nothing but clams and mussels and fish. Bread was very scarce and 
sometimes the very crusts from my father's table would have been 
sweet to me. When I could have meal and water boiled together it 
was good, and one could not wish for better. It was not thought 



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MINOT HOUSE. 



BLAKE HOUSE, 



Strange then to drink water and eat samp 01- homiuy without butter or 
milk. It would have been a .strange thing to see a piece of roast beef, 
mutton or veal, though it was not long before there was roast ""oat." 

Through all this suffering and privation no (Mie grumbled. None 
wi.shed to return to England so long as they could enjoy the worship 
of God without molestation. 

On the coiitrar)', Roger Claj) and others frequently wrote to 
their friends inviting them to the new country and to there enjoy real 
freedom. 

In 163 1 relief came when the ship "Lion," heavily laden with 
food, arrived. Following this was a rich har\cst and from that time 
onward there were better times. The suffering and privation they had 
endured had taught them to be economical and they were ever ready 
for a " rainy day." 



l8 HISTORN' OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

The orii;"inal boundaries of Dorchester varied. This was occa- 
sioned by the continual increase in territory and new grants of the 
court. A few years after the settlement, Dorchester extended and 
included the present towns of Milton, Stoughton, Canton, Sharon, Fox- 
boro and a part of Wrentham, a district 35 miles long and running to 
within 160 rods of the Rhode Island line. 

All historians recognize the old Minot house on Chickatawbut 
Street, Neponset, erected before 1630, as the oldest wooden house now 
standing on the continent. It has undergone many changes, however. 
The l^lake House on Cottage Street, close to the South Boston line, was 
built before 1650. 

Inasmuch as the Massachusetts charter was drafted for a trading 
company and not as a basis of independent government, and as its pro- 
visions ap})lied only to the stockholders such as Edward Rosseter, 
Roger Ludlow, John Glover and possibly Henry Wolcott and T. New- 
berry, a large number of the first settlers had no ])olitical rights under 
the charter. 

Accordingly the Court of Assistants extended to all suitable 
persons, the privileges of freemanship. On the first application for this 
right, October 19, 1630, 108 persons appeared, the following twenty- 
four from Dorchester : 



John Greenaway 
John Benham 
Mr. Richard Southcote 
Rev. John Warham 
Thomas Stoughton 
George Dyer 
Thomas Ford 
.Stephen 'I'erry 



John Woolridge 
Bigot Eggleston 
John Philips 
William Rockwell 
Christopher Gibson 
Mr. Thos. Southcote 
Rev. John Maverick 
Henry Wolcott 



William Phelps 
John Hoskins 
Nicolas Upsall 
Roger Williams 
Thomas Lombard 
Mr. Ralph Glover 
William Gallard 
\^'illiam Hubbard 



VoY many years Dorchester Neck was used solely for pasturage, 
and the only expense connected therewith was for the necessar)' fences 
or ditches used to prevent the cattle from straying off. 

In 1633 it was ordered that all persons putting cattle in the Neck 
shall pa}- two shillings a head toward the charges, also stating the 
number and kinds of cattle to be allowed thereon. 

**"' To keep the cattle from straying away from the Neck fences were 
built. One of these was across the " Mouth of the Neck," about 
where is now the corner of Ninth and Dorchester Streets, which was 
not so broad then as it is now. A similar fence was also built at the 
" Mouth of the Little Neck," where is now Andrew Square. 

Within a few years many changes occurred in the Dorchester 
settlement. Rev. Mr. Warham and a large number of people went to 



IllSroRV OF SOUTH liosrox. 



19 



Windsor, Conn., there to begin a new colon}'. Succeeding him was 
Rev. Mr. Mather, and with him also came a large number of new 
settlers. 

The cause of this sudden and wholesale emigration was largely 
owing to the stories told of the rich bottom lands of the Connecticut 
Valley. Many of the Dorchester people were engaged in the fur 
business, and, learning of opportimities, went to Connecticut. During 
their first winter there (1634) there was much suffering and many 
walked back to Dorchester, glad to get there. The emigration to the 
Connecticut X'alley did not cease until 1637. 

For a while the affairs were administered by the Court of Assist- 
ants, but the local authority rested largely in the clergymen, deacons 
and magistrates, and meetings of the settlers were frequent. In 1633 
it became e\ident that some form of government was necessary, and 
at a meeting held ( )ct(Tber 8, an ordei- was passed which provided for 
a town government, the first in this countr}', and consec|uentl}' of much 
historic interest. 

The order read as follows : 

".-^// agircvicut made by f/ic 7i<lioIc consent aiul I'otc of the phvitatioii, Mo/iJar, 

October H, 1633. 

"Imprimis — It is ordered, that for the general good and well ordering 
of the affairs of the plantation, there shall be, every Monday, before the 
court, by eight in the morning, and presently upon the beating of the 
drum, a general meeting of the inhabitants of the plantation at the meeting 
house, there to settle and set down such orders as may tend to the general 
good as aforesaid, and every man to be bound without gainsaying or 
resistance." 

From this year also dates the electing of selectmen, twelve being 
chosen, although the number varied at times. They were to order the 
affairs of the plantation, to haxe monthh' meetings, and their orders, 
confirmed by the plantation, were to be in full force and binding upon 
the inhabitants. This form of go\ernment was soon adoj^ted b}' the 
other towns. 

Thus Dorchester en)o\-ed the distinction of having the first town 
government. 

There arrived, July 24, 1633, from Weymouth, haigland, a vessel 
with eighty passengers, who settled in Dorchester. 

Having received permission from the town, Israel Stoughton, in 
1633, erected a water mill, and in January following, the privilege of 
erecting a fishing weir was also granted to him. 

In November, 1633, an order was passed for a "decent burial 
place and a bier to carry the dead upon." 



20 



IIISTOKN OF SOUTH IIOSTOX. 



The importance Dorchester had attained is evident from the pro- 
portion of taxes levied October i, 1633. While Roxbury, Boston, 
Newton, Watertown and Charlestown were each taxed ^^48 and Salem 
^28, Dorchester was assessed ;^8o. 

What was probably the first Massachusetts Legislature or General 
Court, met in 1634. It consisted of twenty-four persons, representing 
eight towns. The Dorchester plantation sent Israel Stoughton, William 
Phelps and George Hull. 

In 1635 the fortifying of the towns, erecting beacons, arming and 
disciplining the soldiers and the appointing of a military commission 
in the colony was the answer of Massachusetts to demands of England. 

Until 1637 ^11 the inhabitants of Dorchester were allowed to graze 
their cattle at Dorchester Neck. In that year, however, there was a 
formal division of the Neck and several of the settlers secured from the 
town exclusive privileges to use the })asture. 

There is no record to show what method was used to grant these 
privileges. This was, however, the very first division of South Boston 
lands, but not until a few years later was exclusive ownership given. 

In this }"ear twenty men were appointed by the town to make out 
a list of residents of Dorchester who were to be allowed to use the Neck. 
It must be understood that the Neck was not divided off into any lots 
or divisions, but was to be used in its entirety by the chosen one 
hundred or more. 

r\)llowing is a list of those who first had exclusi\e ])rivileges in 
Dorchester Neck, now South Boston : 



'I'homas Andrews 
Mr. Humphrey A the 
Mr. James Bates 
Mr. Bellingham 
John Ben ham 
Mr. Briggs 
William Blake 
Edward Bullock 
Mr. Nicholas Butler 
Bernard Capen 
John Capen 
Edward Clap 
Nicolas Clap 
Roger Clap 
Austin Clement 
Richard Collicut 
Robert Deeble 
Thomas Dickerman 
Thomas Dimeck 



Mr. \\'illiam Hathorne 
rtonjohn Hayden 
Richard Hawes 
Mr. Hawkins 
Mr. John Hill 
•John Holland 
lohn Holman 
John Hull 
Jonas Humphrey 
Mr. Hutchinson 
Richard Jones 
Thomas Jones 
Mr. John Knight 
Thomas Kinnersley 
John Kinsley 
Thomas Lambert 
William Lane 
Mr. Thomas Makepeace 
^h". Martin 



Robert Pierce 
Andrew Pitcher 
John Pope 
William Preston 
Daniel Price 
George Proctor 
Widow Purchase 
William Read 
Mr. Thos. Richards 
Joseph Rigby 
Thomas Sanford 
Matthew Sension 
Widow Smed 
John Smith 
Mr. Stoughton 
William Sumner 
Thomas Swift 
Nicolas Upsall 
Richard Wade 



iiisToRN' OF sorrii uosiox. 



2 I 



Nathaniel Duncan 
George Dwyer 
John Eelles 
Joseph Farnsworth 
Benjamin Fenn 
Joseph Flood 
\\'iclo\v Foster 
Christopher Gibson 
Mr. John Gilbert 
Mr. John Glover 
John Greenaway 
Thomas Hatch 



Rev. Richard Mather 
Alexander Miller 
John Miller 
Thomas Millet 
Mr. George Mi not 
John Moore 
Edward Mannings 
Mr. Thomas Newberry 
John Niles 
Mr. James Parker 
John Phillips 
fohn Pierce 



Nathaniel Wales 
George Way 
George \\^eeks 
John Whitcomb 
Edward White 
Mr. Whitfield 
Mr. Whitman 
Bray Wilkins 
Thomas Wiswell 
Mr. Withington 
Henry Wright 
Richard Writrht 



It was about the time that the above grants were made and the 
Neck was divided and allotted, that there was cjuite a division of senti- 
ment as to whether the Neck should be used for i)asturage or for 
planting, and it was a questimi of perennial agitation at the town 
meetings. 

In 1642 there were sixty votes for jjlanting antl twent)'-eight for 
feeding. During the controversy it was gencrall}' agreed that using the 
Neck for both purposes, the minority shall fence against the majority on 
certain conditions, the conditions being as to the nature of the planting. 
If this agreement was not complied with then the planter was to be 
secured by the owner of the cattle against damage. The number of 
cows, calves, horses and oxen was limited. 

No swine were allowed jiastin^age at the Neck at an)' time. There 
were penalties for all those who put more than their proportion of cattle 
in thii^ common pasture and also for those who put them in before the 
appointed time, which was about the middle of April. 

It will be seen that, all along, Dorchester Neck was recognized 
principally as a place of pasturage and there was no thought of erecting 
a dwelling place there. 

The section then, as now, was a peninsida, although at high tide 
the water flooded the little Neck and thus made it an island. 

Some idea of the roads, paths and wa)"s on the Neck, which were 
largely "cuts across lots" may be had from a description of them as 
given prior to 1650. 

Leading from Dorchester was the main road, " the Way to the 
Castle," following practicall}' the line of the present Dorchester Street 
to lunerson Street (or the "old road " as it was called fifty years later) 
from what is now the corner of Third and Dorchester Streets, along to 
wHere is now situated Police Station 12, then along Fourth Street and 
on to the shore opposite Castle William, now P^ort Independence. 

Between what is now Andrew Square and Ninth Street w'ere short 



22 HISTOKN" OK SOUTH ISOSTON. 

roads or paths, one on each side, for the accomodation of owners of 
meadow or marsli lands on Little Neck. 

Then there was what was known as " the Way to the Nook," or 
*' Nook Lane." The Nook was in the vicinity of the present Lawrence 
School. This lane left the main road near the corner of Seventh and 
Dorchester Streets (the southwesterly line of the lane is now the north- 
easterly boundary of the Shurtleff school house grounds) running- 
northwesterly toward Nook Hill. This road accomodated the many 
owners of small lots in this part of the Neck and was sometimes called, 
especially in later years, " the Way to Mr. Foster's," his house, built in 
1674 or thereabouts, being about where Dahlgren Hall now stands. 

At the Great Neck (in the vicinity of Seventh or Eighth Streets) 
were narrow paths between lots leading to marshes. 

The '• Way to go down to the Beach " followed the line of the ex- 
treme northeasterly end of the present Dorchester Street, at Third 
Street, or, it is thought b}' some, ran in a more northerly direction from 
the same point to the harbor. 

The "Way to Powow Point" was from a point on Emerson Street, 
about where is now the old Hawes church, running south to the well or 
spring in the vicinity of what is now the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club. 

There was a narrow path running westerly from Powow Point near 
the line of Seventh Street, and it is believed there was a path in con- 
tinuation of this, around the southerly side of the hill, meeting the main 
road at the " Mouth of the Neck." 

Probabl)' the first street laid out in Dorchester was one beginning 
at the northeast end of what is now Pleasant Street, or at least that 
part of it between Stoughton and Cottage Streets. This is now called 
Pond Street and Crescent Avenue. From the Five Corners it ran 
northeast to a short distance below the Clapp residence, where there 
was a gate, and here, also, was the entrance to Dorchester Neck, called 
Little Neck. 

There were several other streets laid out in Dorchester before 
1640, but this particular one led to the Neck. The other streets were 
all near together and the houses were built closely so as to bring the 
people near each other. 

W^hat is now South Boston has undergone many changes since it 
was Dorchester Neck, particularly in its topography. The two princi- 
pal and most prominent hills, known in later years as Dorchester 
Heights, then were known as P^ast and West Hills, although the east- 
erly one, whereon the Perkins Institution now stands, was sometimes re- 
ferred to as the Middle Hill and another, nearer to City Point, was the 
most easterly hill. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH l'.OSTON. 23 

These hills had several names during the Revolutionary period 
and maps of that time mark these eminences as Twin Hills, Strawberry 
Hill, Signal Tree Hill and also Nook Hill, or sometimes called Foster's 
Hill! 

The most easterly of the Twin Hills has now ahiiost entirely dis- 
appeared, but remnants of it may still be seen on East Fifth, between 
H and I Streets, and also in the vicinity of Storey Street. 

What is now Independence Scfuare was then known as Bush Tree 
Hill, but it was much larger in extent at that time. 

The smaller hill, the highest point of which was about where the 
Lawrence School is now situated, was Nook Hill, sometimes known as 
Foster's, Fox or Dorchester Hill. The Continental army commanded 
this hill during the Revolution just before the evacuation of Boston. 

Leek Hili was near the water's edge, at the northerly end of Dor- 
chester Street. It was a small hill, yet was fortified during the Revo- 
lution. It was supposed to have been named after Thomas Lake, one 
of the lirst settlers of Dorchester, who once owned the land. 

At Cit)- Point, where now is Marine Park, the land was much 
higher than now, and about 1812 batteries were erected thereon. 

Dorchester Neck had several ponds, swamps and creeks in the 

I 7th century. There was a pond on the Wiswell estate, near F'ourth 
and Ci Streets, and there were others on K Street, near Viith Street, 
K and Third Streets, D and Seventh Streets. There were two swamps 
at the Point near the present Marine Park and smaller ones were scat- 
tered throughout the district. 

Creeks were many in number, especially in the neighborhood of 
Little Neck, and there were two on the Great Neck, these latter cut- 
ting off communication between Dorchester and the Neck at high tide. 
In the vicinity of the present Broadway and D Street there was quite" a 
creek and in later years Broadway at that place was only passable over 
an improvised bridge. Many salt and fresh water mar.shes are men- 
tioned in the old deeds. 

Powow Point with its spring of fresh water, at the foot of what is 
now K street, was undoubtedly named for some Indians who camped 
there. 

There was a great training day in Boston, lasting two days, Sept. 

II and 12, 1 64 1, and the Dorchester soldiers took a prominent part. 

In 1642 the first efforts to lay out and divide the lands on the 
Neck were made. Messrs. Jones, Glover and Wilkes were made com- 
missioners to give allowance to swamps as they might deem best. A 
portion of the Neck was reserved exclusively for the cattle, a common 
pasture. 



24 HIsroRV OK SOUTH BOSTON. 

Ill 1645 ''^ directory was adopted wherein were written rules and 
orders. Some of them were as follows: 

" All things to be considered at the town meeting shall be previously 
placed in the hands of the Selectmen. 

" All matters of importance shall first be in writing and read two or 
three times distinctly, before being voted on. 

" Every man shall have liberty to speak his mind meekly and without 
noise. 

" No man shall speak when another is speaking. 

"All men should countenance and encourage all the town officers and 
not to find fault or revile them in the due execution of their offices." 

During- this year, also, it was provided that at the town meetings 
the Selectmen "shall choose one of their number as the Moderator." 

The original division of the Massachusetts Bay Colony into coun- 
ties was on May 10, 1643. It was then that Essex, Middlesex, Suf- 
folk and Norfolk were formed. Suffolk county, as then constituted, 
contained Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, Dedham, Braintree, Wey- 
mouth and Nantasket. 

Suffolk county, in 1901, is sixteen miles at its greatest length 
and eight and one-half miles at the greatest width. 



CHAPTER IV. 
Daily Life of the Early Settlers; Dress. 

Iluinble abodes in early years — Better style of dwellings in later years — Costumes of 
the day — Daily routine of a fanner and his family — Various occupations engage 
the time of the early settlers. 

IN two hundred and seventy 3car.s many changes occur in tlie style of 
dwelHng houses, interiorl}- and exteriorly, in the dress and habits of 
the people and even in the daily routine of the individual. 

Although the inhabitants of Dorche-ster were but few in numbers 
in the 1 7th century, yet each was expected to do his or her share in the 
upbuilding of the town, each was in duty bound to live not only for self 
but for the general welfare and advancement of the community. Work 
they had and work they did, willingly and without complaining, and the 
greatest care was taken that all should lead true Christian lives, and 
every effort made to have all attend the church of God and listen to 
the words of wisdom intended to direct them in the right path and 
make of them good and worth)' citizens. 

The head of each family had the privilege of choosing his own 
homestead, although other lands were distributed by grants. At first 
the abodes were small, unpretentious affairs, mostly built of logs and 
covered with thatch taken from the salt marshes near by. 

Thoughtful and considerate for the wants and welfare of the com- 
munity a piece of land was reserved for the free use of the inhabitants, 
whereon to build in the future, but this rule, it is said, was broken by 
their descendants who took possession of it all. 

Industry and indefatigable labor soon bore fruit and the settlers in 
a few years built a better class of dwellings. The timber used was 
principally of oak, calculated to stand the test of time and the fierceness 
of tempests. In their clothing they maintained a similarity of style 
and finish. 

Soon the small, humble huts, gave way to neat little cottages, 
many a stor)' and a half in heiglit, but with additional rooms and much 
more space. Well cared for farms pointed toward prosperity and better 
times. 

There are a few of the earl)' houses still standing in Dorchester 
that show the style of those times, and now, with a few alterations and 
some rebuilding, are the original houses of the 17th century. 



26 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

The best idea of the dress and habits of the first settlers of Dor- 
chester is obtained from a book by Rev. Charles Brooks. His descrip- 
tion is interesting, although length)-, and the following is only an 
abstract : 

" The every day dress was very plain and comfortable, but Sunday 
suits were more elaborate and expensive. The men, on Sunday, wore 
broad brimmed hats, turned up into three corners, with loops at the 
side, showing full bush wigs beneath them ; long coats, the very 
opposite of swallow tails, having large pocketfolds and cuffs, and with- 
out collars, the buttons either plated or of pure silver and of the size of 
a half dollar. 

" The vests, also without collars, were long, with graceful pen- 
dulous lappel pockets. The shirts had bosoms and wrist rufiies, with 
buckles at the wrist united by a link. The neck cloths or scarfs were 
of fine linen or figured stuff, or eml)roidered, the ends hanging loosely. 

" Small clothes were in fashion and only reached a little below the 
knees, where they were ornamented with silver buckles of liberal size. 
The legs were covered with gray stockings and the feet with .shoes 
ornamented with straps and silver buckles. Boots were sometimes 
worn, having broad white tops, and gloves were also in fashion on great 
occasions, and mittens in winter. 

" A gentleman with his cocked hat and white bush wig, chocolate 
coat, buff vest and small-clothes, brown stockings and black shoes 
ruffles, buckles and buttons, presented an imposing figure, and he was 
a man who would probably demean himself with dignity and intelli- 
gence. 

" Rich men dressed ver)' expensively. They had a scarlet coat, 
wadded skirts, full sleeves, cuffs reaching to the elbows, wristbands 
fringed with lace, embroidered bands, tassels, gold buttons, vests 
fringed with lace and small-clothes with puffs, points, buckles and a 
sword hanging by the .side. 

" The vi.siting dress of the women was more costly, complicated 
and fancy than their husbands or brothers wore. Their coiffures were 
so high as to bring their faces almost into the middle of their bodies. 
They wore black silk or satin bonnets and their gowns were extremely 
long waisted with tight sleeves, which were oftentimes very short and 
with an immense frill at the elbow. They had spreading hoops and 
long trails, high heeled .shoes, and, dressed in their brocades, flounces 
and" embroidered aprons, they were prepared for any social function. 

" Their dress on the Sabbath was simple, secure and modest. A 
cheap straw hat with onl)- one bow on the outside and no ornament 
inside, topped off the head. A calico dress of sober colors, high 
up in the neck with a simple white muslin collar just peeping around 



HISTORY OK SOUTH BOSTON. 2/ 

the top, a neat little shawl and a stont i)air of shoes, and they were 
dressed ready for church." 

To under.stand the habits ami the dail}- routine of the people, it 
may be well to follow a faniil)- of moderate circumstances throughout 
their duties on a Saturday and Sunda)'. 

Let us suppose the father is a strong, able-bodied farmer of about 
forty-six, and his wife seven years his junior. Their first child is a son 
of eighteen, and the next a daughter of sixteen. Then there are three 
boys, fourteen, eleven and eight, and the youngest child is a daughter 
of six. 

Of hired men they had none. Mxtra help came from what they 

called "change work." 

Before daylight Saturday the entire family was awake and about 
their morning ablutions. The father, awake first, lighted the fire under 
the kettle in" which the water for the porridge was to boil. Then he 
call'jd the boys and finally the mother and eldest daughter, followed 
shortly afterward b)- the youngest of the family. 

A wooden wash basin in the sink served each in turn and one 
roller towel sufficed f(n- wiping all the faces. With all the sturdiness 
of their nature they went about their duties. 

The dress of each was suited to their work. The father wore an 
old cocked hat or a thick cotton cap, no cravat but a low shirt collar, a 
short frock of strongest warp, a i)air of old leather breeches and leggins 
which were tucked in above the knees and tied over the shoe with a 
string round the middle of the foot. 

The boys had cotton caps or the remnants of old felt hats, .short 
jackets of the coarsest fabric, leather breeches and leggins. 

Just as the sun rose over the horizon the father and three sons 
were in the cow yard, milking. Then the youngest boy drove the cows 
to pasture, across to Dorchester Neck, replaced the bars, and ha.stened 
back to his next duties. The hogs had received their allowance of 
buttermilk, and the morning milk was strained off for the cream or 
heated to begin a cheese. 

Returning to the house all joined in the reading of the Scriptures, 
after which they had breakfast, which in winter was by candle light, 
and in summer by dawn. 

The father asked divine blessing and then all ate heartily of the 
pea porridge dealt out in small wooden bowls, and from a small central 
dksh some 'salted shad and smoked ale-wives or perhaps some fresh eels 
caught from the bay the evening before. 

Brown bread and beer were served and sometimes the children 
were regaled with samp and milk and the father with boiled salt pork. 
After breakfast the father returned thanks. 



28 HISTORY OF SOUTH IJOSTON. 

Father and sons then returned to the fields for work, the hour 
being 6 o'clock. With their tools they took the family i;un, more to be 
ready for game than for protection. 

By 8.30 the laborers were ready for lunch which consisted of 
smoked shad, bread and cheese eaten from the basket in which they 
brought it, and cider. 

During the forenoon they did much work and were glad of a 
respite when they heard the dinner horn about 11.45. Just at noon 
they sat down to the dinner table, a blessing was craved and they begaa 
with the Indian pudding which they relished with a little molasses. 
Next a piece of broiled salt pork or black broth, fried eggs, brown 
bread, cabbage and cider. The dinner was styled " boiled victuals," 
and the plates "wooden trenchers." 

Until one o'clock the laborers were allowed to "noon" and were 
free to sleep or play. Then they returned to the field and perhaps 
found that a fox had killed a sheep. The father took the gun and 
started in pursuit, leaving instructions if the boys saw the fox to whistle 
as loud as they could. 

At 3 o'clock there was a drink of good beer for all, the only pause 
in the afternoon's work which ended at five. Then the youngest drove 
home the cows and the milking finished at six. The hogs and sheep 
were put in their enclosures and the faithful dog left to watch them for 
the night. 

Everything well housed up, supper was ready. The father took a 
slice of cold broiled })ork, the usual brown bread and beer, while the 
boys had milk porridge or hasty pudding. In season they had musk 
melons and on occasions cherr)- wine. Sometimes they had boiled 
Indian corn mixed with kidney beans. Into bean and pea porridge 
they put a slice of salted venison. They also delighted in succotash. 
The meat of the shagbark was dried and pounded and jnit into the 
porridge to thicken it. They parched corn and pounded it and made it 
into nokake. Baked pumpkins were common. The extra dish for 
company was a cake made of strawberries and parched corn. 

Supper, like the other meals, was preceded by asking a blessing 
and followed by offering thanks. At 7 o'clock a neighbor called, a 
mug of cider was drunk by way of entertainment, and at 7.30 the 
neighbor had gone and the family was ready iov evening prayers. In 
the morning the Old Testament was read and in the evening the New. 
Eight o'clock and all had retired excepting the youngest boy who had 
been given permission to stay up an hour later. 

Mother and daughters, likewise, had their daily routine. The 
house consisted of two covered rooms below and a kitchen and two 
lofts used as attics for sleeping rooms. These rooms were but little 
■care and the beds could be made in a short time. 



HISTOKN' OK SOL ril IIOSTON. 29 

After the breakfast was cooked and set with wooden plates, pewter 
spoons, two knives and forks, and the good things eaten, the women 
washed the dishes and one of the daughters prepared the men's kmch. 
Then the cheese was made with great care. 

Saturday was baking day and the three females were kept partic- 
ularly busy. The oven had its opening on the outside of the house, 
behind the chimney, and was double the size of modern ones. One 
daughter brought wood to heat the ovens, another got Indian meal and 
r)'e and a third brought in a i^ail of water. There were beans to be 
picked over, pork to be cut and dough to be kneaded. The baking 
for seven days required three hours steady work. 

At 1 I o'clock preparations for dinner began, and at the i)r()per 
time the daughter blew the horn. 

There was no washing of dishes until the batch was set in the 
oven. First went in the bread because that required the strongest 
heat, then the huge stone pot of beans and beside it the Indian pudding 
in a broad, deep earthen bowl. The oven's mouth was stopped with 
a piece of plank and the crevices stopped with clay. 

In the afternoon, the house being nice and tid)', the mother did 
some weaving, the elder daughter a little mending and the child stole 
away to play with her pet lamb. A female neighbor called to invite 
her friends to a "quilting" and the anticipation of the event made the 
young folks happy. When the brothers returned for supper the 
"quilting " was annoimced. 

With the setting of the sun the Sabbath was begun. All gathered 
about the domestic altar and the pious father read the Scriptures and 
offered prayer. After weekly ablutions all retired to rest, although 
the father first counted up his weekly gains and the mother planned for 
the good of her children. 

In the morning all awoke much refreshed and they prepared 
for the day which was to be free from manual labor except what was 
absolutely necessary. 

The hour of rising was late and nothing like hurry was known. 
After the milking and the chores there was breakfast, at which 
there was usually a surprise with a fresh baked apple pie. Each of the 
young folks took a slice in hand and immediately proceeded to 
business. 

After breakfast there was morning worshij). The father took 
down the Bible and read. With all standing the father offered a 
prayer, thanking the Giver of every Good for His bounties, confessed 
his sins with penitence and humilit}- and asked for pardon through a 
Divine Redeemer. He took care to thank God for the religious 
freedom enjoyed in America. 



30 



IIISroKV OF SOUTH P.OSTOX. 



During- the hour that then elapsed before the start for meeting the 
children committed to memory a few verses of the Bible or a hymn or 
a page of the catechism, and the mother taught the daughter some 
Christian history. The father finally acted as superintendent of this, 
the first and best of all Sunday schools. 

The hour having arrived, the start was made for the meeting-house, 
and no matter what the distance to that place may have been, there 
was no excuse for non-attendance. God's command and the penalties 
of the statute law decided this without equivocation. If the weather 
was fair the children walked, each dressed in full Sunday attire and 
feeling it of paramount importance not to tear or soil their clothes. 

The father mounted a horse and took his wife upon a pillion 
behind him. If it rained the oxen were hitched to the cart and, seated 
therein, they made their way to meeting. 

Services began at 1 1 and was a glass and a half long, ending at 
12.30. A half hour intermission was spent about the meeting-house 
where friends met and talked of what had occurred since the last 
Sabbath. The young folks, doubtless, did not always talk religion. 

The afternoon services were from i to 2.30 and an hour later the 
family reached home. 

All partook of the meal, then, which was really dinner and supper, 
and from the oven was taken the pot of beans, Indian pudding, all 
perfectly done, having been in prison twenty-four hours. After grace 
the pudding was first served. That was so nice that two slices was 
necessary to satisfy. Then there was a piece of pie. 

After Sunday clothes were removed the mother assembled her 
children about her, each seated on his block, and heard them recite the 
catechism and then endeavored to impress their minds with the sermon 
of the day. The religious exercises of the Sabbath were concluded 
with the reading of Scriptures and family prayer. 

Father and son then went to the barn and the milking was soon 
finished. With the setting of the sun the Sabbath was over. The 
wood for the next day's washing was carried in, the great kettle filled 
with water, kindling put in the corner and everything ready for an 
early start. 

In the evening the eldest son slipped out, clad in his evening dress, 
and at 7 o'clock '^' dropped in" accidentally at neighbor A's house 
whose blooming daughter of seventeen he enjoyed watching. The visit 
was short and he then returned home. 

At home the children had been led in singing of the good old 
psalm tunes, and at 8.30 the candle was out and the day of worship 
and rest had ended to the farmer's family. 

In those days the " singing school " was the favorite social function 



HISTUKV OF SOUTH IJOSTON. 



31 



and all delighted to participate. Fashion, the labor of little minds and 
not the repose of great ones, had n(^t become the fickle tyrant we now 
see it. They aimed at health, and the children who were born weak 
and feeble could not be kept alive as they now are by modern skill, 
hence the robustness of those who did survive. 

Our fathers had strong common sense, and while they were 
devoted to a Puritan faith and an exclusive church, they did not lose 
their humanity, but the very necessities of their condition brought them 
to the most practical results, and to the soundest philosophy of life. 



CHAPTER V. 
The Church and School in Early Days. 

First church of Dorchester organized before the departure from England — Location of 
the first meeting-house — New meeting-houses in later years — First free school sup- 
ported by taxation — Location of the first school-house — First teacher — First 
school committee — Name of the first school — Rules for the government of the 
school — Thompson's Island — ( )ther schools. 

ALTHOUGH Rev. John White was the founder and prime mover in 
the organization of the church, the members of which settled 
Dorchester, yet he was never the pastor of the congregation. 
To him New luigland owes a great debt. 

There was for many years, and until quite recently, a controversy 
as to whether the first town meeting and the first free school in Massa- 
chusetts were established in Dorchester, and this question is somewhat 
mixed up with the church question. Hut now it is generally accepted 
that the first church was that in Dorchester, organized before the 
departure from England. 

In August, 1630, when the Court of Assistants decreed that one- 
half of the support of the ministers was to be taken from the public 
treasury, Salem and Mattapan were excepted, because the}- had been 
established before their arrival in this country. 

The Dorchester church was established with Rev. John Maverick 
and John Warham as ministers. 

The first meeting-house was erected shortly after the settlement 
was completed. It was built on Allen's Tlain, near the corner of 
Pleasant and Cottage Streets, in 1 631, and the first settlers of Rox- 
biuy united themselves with the Dorchester church and worshipped 
with them during its first year. 

On the fourth day of each week, according to an understanding 
with the other plantations or settlements. Rev. Mr. Warham gave a lec- 
ture which was generally largely attended. 

The first meeting-house was of fairly good size, one stor}- in 
height, with palisadoes and guarded against Indian attack, and was 
also used as a depot for military supplies. 

Rev. Mr. Maverick was a man of very humble spirit, faitliful in 
furthering the work of the Lord, zealous in every duty, both in church 
and state. He was pastor until 1636, when he died. 



HISTORY OK SOUTH I'.OSTON. T^T, 

Rev. Richard Mather, with about lOO men and women, anxious 
to participate in the settlement of New England, arrived in Boston, 
August 1 6, 1635, and immediately on arrival he received numerous 
calls to settle at various places. After considerable thought and on 
the urgent advice of friends, he accepted the call to Dorchester, and 
with many of the people who had arrived with him, he moved there 
during the latter part of 1635 or the early part of 1636. He was 
chosen to fill the vacancy occasioned by the departure ot Rev. Mr. 
Warham, to Windsor, Conn. 

On the death of Rev. Mr. Maverick in 1636, Rev. Richard Mather 
assumed sole charge. 

The separation of many of the first inhabitants from the town and 
their removal to the borders of the Connecticut River, necessitated a 
reorganization of the church, and the folhnving covenant was agreed to : 

'■'■Dorchester Church Covenant made the 2 jrd day of the 6th month, i6j6. 

"We, whose names are subscribed, being called of God to join our- 
selves together in Church Communion, from our hearts acknowledging our 
own unworthiness of such a privilege, or of the least of God's mercies ; 
and likewise acknowledging our disabilities to keep Covenant with God, or 
to perform spiritual duty which He calleth us unto, unless the Lord Jesus 
do enable us thereunto by His spirit dwelling in us, do, in the name of 
Christ Jesus, our Lord, and in trust and confidence of His free grace assist- 
ing us, freely covenant and bind ourselves, solemnly in the presence of God 
Himself, His holy angels, and all His servants here present, that we will, by 
His grace assisting, endeavor constantly to walk as a Right Ordered con- 
gregation of Christ, according to all the holy rules of a church body, 
rightly established, so far as we do already know it to be our duty, or shall 
further understand out of God's Holy Word, promising first and above all 
to cleave unto Him as our chief and only good, and to our Lord Jesus 
Christ, our only spiritual husband and Lord, and our only high priest and 
prophet and king. And for the furthering of us to keep this blessed Com- 
munion with God and His Son, Jesus Christ, by His grace assisting us, to 
endeavor the establishing among ourselves, all His holy ordinances which 
He hath appointed for His church here on earth, and to observe all and 
every one of them in such sort as shall be most agreeable to His will, 
opposing to the utmost of our power what is contrary thereto, and bewail- 
ing from our hearts our own neglect hereof in former times, and our pollut- 
ing ourselves with any sinful invention of man. 

" And, lastly, we do hereby covenant and promise to further to our 
utmost power, the best spiritual good of each other, and of all and every 
one that may become members of this congregation, by mutual instruction, 
consolation and spiritual watchfulness over one another for good. And to 
be subject in and for the Lord to all the administrations and censures of 
the congregation to the rules of God's most holy word. Of the integrity 
of our hearts herein, we call God, the searcher of all hearts, to witness, 
beseeching Him so to bless us in this and all our enterprises, as we shall 
sincerely endeavor by the assistance of His grace to observe His holy 
covenant in all the branches of it inviolable forever, and where we shall 



34 HISTORY OF SOUTH BCJSTON. 

fail there to wait upon the Lord Jesus for pardon and acceptance and heal- 
ing for His Name's sake. 

Richard Mather Nathaniel Duncan 

George Minot Henry \\'ithington 

Thomas Jones John Pope " 

John Kinsley 

The first meeting-house stood for fourteen years, and in 1645 it 
was agreed for peace and love's sake "to erect a new meeting-house." 
Messrs. Glover, Nathaniel Duncan, Atherton Jones, Deacon Wiswell, 
Deacon Clap and Mr. Howard were the committee. About ;!{^2 50 was 
appropriated for this purpose. The church was not finished until 1676, 
and in 1670, in its unfinished condition, was removed to Meeting- 
House Hill. 

Early in 1640 Rev. Jonathan Burr was made assistant to Rev. Mr. 
Mather and remained until his death a year and a half later. Rev. 
John Wilson, Jr., was ordained as assistant to Rev. Mr. Mather in 1649, 
and after serving two years he removed to Medfield where he was 
pastor for 40 years. 

Rev. Mr. Mather died April 6, 1669, aged seventy-three. He was 
beloved by all who knew him and during his connection with the Dor- 
chester Church he was one of the most prominent men of the town. 

The important petition made by the town to the General Court in 
1664, signed by the principal inhabitants of the town, praying that the 
privileges and liberties granted them by the charter might still be con- 
tinued, is in the handwriting of Rev. Mr. Mather. His farewell exhor- 
tation to the church and people of Dorchester was printed and a copy 
distributed to each family, so precious was it to the people. 

Work of rebuilding the meeting-house was begun in 1676 and com- 
pleted in 1678. The fourth meeting-house was built in 1743 and the 
fifth in 1 816, all on Meeting-House Hill. 

The old meeting-house was destroyed by fire, February 3, 1896, 
and on Thursday, May 6, 1897, the sixth meeting-house was dedicated 
on the same spot. 

The old bell, originally cast in luigland in 1751, so badly cracked 
by the fire in 1896, was recast and now hangs in the church on Meeting- 
House Hill. All the old inscriptions were reproduced in the new 
casting. 

l^HE Fn<ST School. 

One of the most important and historical entries in the record-book 
of Dorchester of the early days, is the order providing for a free school, 
the first free public school in America. 

Thompson's Island was granted to Dorchester in 1634, by the 
General Court. May 30, 1639, the town voted to lay a tax upon the 
proprietors of the island, " for the maintenance of a school in 
Dorchester." 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




FOURTH CHURCH^ ERECTED IN DORCHESTER; 1743, 



36 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Other free schools there may have been, for instance in Charles 
City, Va., in Dutch Manhattan, and even the Boston Latin school, but 
the Dorchester free public school was the first to receive support from 
taxation and was the first to be directly in charge of a school com- 
mittee. 

The tax imposed on Thompson's Island was ^20, and it was pro- 
vided that "it shall be paid to such a school-master as shall teach 
English, Latin and other tongues, and also writing." It was left to 
the discretion of the freeholders and seven men, for the time being, 
whether or not the girls should be taught with the boys. 

The first school-house was erected in the vicinity of Meeting-House 
Hill and was a small one-story structure. Rev. Thomas Waterhouse 
was the first teacher. 

The appointment of the first school committee was authorized at 
the town meeting in March 1645, and at the same time rules and 
orders for the school were adopted. The school committee were then 
styled "wardens," or " overseers," and the first appointees were Mr. 
Robert Howard, Deacon John Wiswell and Mr. Humphrey Atherton. 

This first school was named after the minister of that name. Rev. 
Mr. Mather, and from that time to this there has been a Mather school 
in the district. 

As the Mather school was the first supported by taxation, the 
Boston Latin school was the first public school established for secon- 
dary education. 

Various rules for the governing of the first Dorchester school were 
adopted in 164 1. A few of them follow : 

" The school-master shall not be chosen except by the major por- 
tion of the inhabitants. 

" For seven months of the year the school hours are to be from 7 
to 1 1 A.M. and I to 5 p.:\i., and for the other five months, November, 
December, January, February and March, from 8 to i i a.m. and from 
I to 4 P.M. 

" F^very Monday from 12 to i o'clock scholars shall be called 
together and questioned upon what they learned on the Sabbath day 
preceding, and on Saturday at 2 o'clock they .shall be catechised on 
the principles of the Christian religion. 

" The school-master shall equally and impartially receive and 
instruct such as shall be sent and committed to him for that end, 
whether their parents be poor or rich, not refusing any one who has 
right and interest in the school." 

In i64<S, John Thompson, son of David lliompson, who had 
settled at Thompson's Island before the coming of the Dorchester 
settlers, claimed the island named after his father and the claim was 
granted by the court. In place thereof a thousand acres of land was 
assigned to Dorchester, by the General Court, for the school. 

Although the town of Dorchester thus lost Thompson's Island it 



inST()R\' OF SOUTH IJOSTOX. 37 

continued within its territory and under its jurisdiction until 1S34, 
when it was set off to Boston, to be used as a "Farm school," and when- 
ever it shall cease to be used for that purpose, it is again to be included 
within the limits of Dorchester, although a part of Boston. 

Frequently, in years that folhnved, generous bequests were made 
for the benefit of the free school, which displayed the deep interest the 
people took in the institution. 

In 1655 land at City Foint, bequeathed for this purpose by John 
Clap, brought 813,590.62; in 1674 several thousand dollars was 
bequeathed by Christopher Gibson, and later Lieut. Gov. vStoughton 
gave, toward the advancement of the salary of the school-master, $4, 1 40, 
so that the best could be secured at a good annual salary. 

The income of the Gibson fund and that of the Stoughton fund to 
this day are used by the city of Boston for school purposes, and the- 
South Boston schools are beneficaries with the Dorchester schools. 

September 9, 1681, Mr. John Foster, who had been a school-master 
in Dorchester, and who was a son of Capt. Hopestill Foster, died at the 
age of thirt}'-three, mourned by the entire community. It was he that 
designed the seal or arms of the colony, the Indian with a bow and 
arrow, the same }'et in use by the Commonwealth. At the time of his 
death he lived with his father at Dorchester Neck, in the first house 
erected in what is now South Boston. 

In 1694 the town built another school-house on the Meeting-House 
Hill at the cost of /^22. John Trescott was the builder. 

In 1699 John Bird, Daniel Preston, Jr. and Charles Davenport 
were appointed a committee to lay out a school line and this they 
accomplished before the following year. It was close to the Plymouth 
colony, b}' the Bridgewater road, half way between Boston and 
Taunton. 

P^)llowing Rev. Thomas Waterhouse, as masters of the school, were 
Henry Butler, Ichabod Wiswall, William Pole, Hope Atherton, John 
Foster of Dorchester Neck, who, by the way, established the first i)rint- 
ing house in Boston, James Minot, William Denison, John Williams 
and Jonathan Pierpont. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Dorchester and the Neck from 1650 to 1700. 

Increase in number of inhabitants — Numerous houses in vicinity of Rock Hill — Indians 
granted reservation at Punkapog — First justices — Dorchester Neck owners 
obliged to pay taxes after 1667 — Owners of land at Dorchester Neck in 1667 
and amount of tax each paid — The first dwelling house at Dorchester Neck that of 
James P'oster — Blake House — Withington estate — I'owow Point — Compensation 
for Legislators — Value of land at Dorchester Neck — Association started that con- 
tinued 150 years. 

OTHER vessels with liberty seekers arrived in large numbers. 
Erom experience the settlers learned to be economical, they were 
industrious and prepared well for dark days that might be in store. 
At first the houses were built only in the vicinity of Rock Hill, 
but, as the people increased in numbers, the village spread and there 
were some who set their eyes toward the Neck, investigating the possi- 
bilities of building there. 

All was contentment and happiness. The Indians troubled them 
but little, they were enabled to worship in their own way, and the entire 
community was generally progressive. 

Harvard College in Cambridge, founded in 1636 and erected in 
1639, ^^'is presented with a handsome sum by Dorchester people in 
1652. 

In 1657 the Indians were granted 6,000 acres at Punkapog, this 
being at the request of Rev. John PLlliott, and at the same time there 
was a grant of 1,000 acres for a free school. 

In 1663 Capt. Clap, Lieut. Eoster and William Sumner were 
chosen as the first commissioners of Dorchester, with power to try 
small causes, such as municipal court judges of the present day. Capt. 
Clap was also empowered to join people in wedlock. 

During the summer of 1665 Capt. Davenport of the Castle was 
killed by lightning and Capt. Roger Clap was chosen as his successor. 

Deacon John Capen, in 1666 was chosen as first recorder. 

So important a place did Dorchester Neck become and so valuable 
the territory that in 1667 it was provided that all persons owning land 
at the Neck should pa)' a tax at the rate of half a penny per acre. 

The owners of Dorchester Neck lands at that time are shown by 
the following list of those who were rated Nov. 3, 1667: 



Capt. Clap, 


14 


acres, 


yd 


Joseph Farnsworth, 


24 


u 


IS od 


Anniel Weeks, 


4 


(( 


2d 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 39 



Obadiah Swift, 


4 " 


2d 


Widow Smith, 


6 " 


3d 


Mr. Patten, 


4 " 


2d 


Richard Baker, 


24 " 


IS od 


William Sumner, 


14 " 


7d 


John Blackman, 


2 " 


id 


Nicholas Clap, 


22 " 


iid 


Augustin Clement, 


8 " 


4d 


Widow Clap, 


18 " 


9d 


Timothy Mather, 


28 " 


IS 2d 


Capt. Foster, 


36 " 


IS 6d 


Richard Withington, 


26 " 


IS id 


William Clarke, 


12 " 


6d 


John Blake, 


2 " 


id 


Samuel Clap, 


8 " 


4d 


Widow Baker, 


30 " 


IS 3d 


Obadiah Hawes, 


'> " 


id 


Widowf Mannings, 


6 " 


3d 


Widow Batten, 


8 " 


4d 


Mr. Jones, 


20 " 


lod 


Enoch Wiswell, 


12 " 


6d 


James Blake, 


22 " 


I id 


Ezra Clap, 


12 " 


6d 


John Capen. Jr., 


4 " 


2d 


Deacon Wisw^ell, 


16 " 


8d 


George Dyer, 


12 " 


6d 


Deacon Capen, 


6 " 


3d 


Mr. Howard, 


14 '' 


yd 


John Mosely, 


4 " 


2d 


Mrs. Stoughton, 


48 " 


2S od 


Isaac Jones, 


12 " 


6d 


James White, 


4 " 


2d 


Ebenezer Williams, 


6 " 


3d 


Thomas Lake, 


2 " 


id 


Nathaniel Clap, 


12 " 


6d 



Charges for laying of gate and the hinges, ^i 2s od 

The town records of a meeting held February 9, 1673, prove 
conclusively that the first house erected for dwelling purposes on Dor- 
chester Neck, was that of James Foster. The record says : 

"The same day (February 9, 1673) it was granted to James 
Foster, liberty to take about fifteen or sixteen loads of timber out of 
the 500 acres toward the building an house." 

James Foster was married six months later. The records also 
show that he lived at the Neck previous to 1675. 

In a book compiled by Mr. Francis E. Blake, " Dorchester Neck," 
much information is given concerning this Foster house and also other 
early dwellings at the Neck. 

The Foster estate comprised all the territory now lying between 
Dorchester and D Streets, with Sixth Street on the south and the 



40 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

harbor on the north. The house was situated on the spot where now 
is the Dahlgren Memorial Hall, formerly the E Street Congregational 
Church, corner of E and Silver Streets. 

Mr. Foster's house was in a very desirable locality, commanding 
a fine view of Boston, Charlestown and the surrounding country, as well 
as of the harbor. It was upon quite a rise of ground, the land sloping 
westerly, northerly and southerly. Until after 1800 it was the only 
house west of Dorchester Street. 

The estate included meadows, salt marsh, pasture lands, an 
orchard and also a slate quarry. The ledge of slate extended over 
quite an area, and as late as 1850 indications of this quarry could be 
seen at the corner of F Street and Broadway. Another portion 
appeared above the surface on the lot near the corner of E and Bowen 
Streets. In 1676 Capt. Foster gave this lot to his son, Hopestill, 
which was called the "quarry meadow," with the profits thereof, indi- 
cating that the stone was valuable at that time. Many of the old 
stones in the Dorchester cemetery were cut here, but in later years 
the quality of the slate was not sufficiently good to warrant further 
operations. 

It is not known at what time the original Foster house was 
destroyed, but it is presumed that it had been replaced previous to 1763 
by a more imposing structure. 

Then there was the Blake house, the second dwelling at Dor- 
chester Neck. In the division of lands at the Neck, the Blake estate 
was laid out at the extreme end of the Point, comprising all the land 
east of O Street. 

James Blake, who erected the first Blake house about 1680 or 
1 68 1, was the son of William Blake who came to New England before 
1636. 

The elder Blake built a house in Dorchester, which is still stand- 
ing, although in a different location, now near the Five Corners, Boston 
and Cottage Streets. 

The town records of November 14, 1681, show that Deacon James 
Blake was given liberty to take 1 20 hundred of clapboards for his new 
house. 

It was near the present southeast corner of P Street and East 
Broadway that the James Blake house was built, and was about a mile 
distant from the Foster house. 

Although isolated from the settlement in Dorchester it was a 
delightful location for a house, with nothing to obstruct the beautiful 
view of the harbor and settlement in various directions. The road, or 
cart path, called the " Way to the Castle " was the only public road 
from Dorchester and was used to transport supplies to the soldiers at 
Castle William. 

Over this same road Deacon James Blake and family rode to the 
meeting-house in Dorchester, not infrequently hindered from passing 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON, 4 1 

over the " causeway " (now Boston Street) by the hi<^h tides flooding 
the roadway to the depth of several feet. 

The Bird estate, at the close of the 1 7th century, included about 
all between G and I Streets, from the " Way to the Castle " to the 
south shore. During" this time, however, there was no house on the 
estate. 

Capt. John Withington lived at the Neck, but just when is not 
known. His house was on Sixth Street, between I and K Streets, 
and was occupied by him about 1690. The estate included all that is 
now between I and K Streets, and Emerson Street to the south shore. 

The records show that Capt. John Withington was a selectman in 
1686 and 1688, and it is believed he was chosen from Dorchester Neck. 
He participated in the Canada invasion, at the head of a company of 
soldiers from Dorchester, most of whom never returned. In March 
1694, the captain's death being no longer in doubt, administration was 
granted upon his estate. 

Along the eastern boundary of the Withington estate, about 125 
feet west of the present K Street, was the road to Powow Point, run- 
ning to the water's edge, and this afforded a fine entrance to the With- 
ington estate. Powow Point was so called because of the resort of the 
Indians there in the early days. 

This road was very early laid out by the town through Mr. With- 
ington's estate. At this " Point " was a remarkably fine well of spring 
water, seen at half tide, and the citizens used the water extensively. 

In 1686 Richard Mather owned a farm of thirty-two acres on the 
Neck. In March of this year he mortgaged the farm and buildings for 
;^35 and soon afterwards removed to Lyme, in the Connecticut Valley. 
This mortgage was never cancelled, but January 9, 1687, he sold to 
Isaac Jones the entire estate, with the dwelling thereon, for ^250. 

In 1694 Isaac Jones conveyed the property to his son Ebenezer, 
who had occupied the premises after Mr. Mather's removal to Lyme. 
The Jones family was identified with the estate for fifty years after- 
ward. 

The estate first owned by Mather and later by Jones embraced all 
the land between I and K Streets, from Emerson Street to the water's 
edge beyond Eirst Street. 

Shortly after his second marriage, about 1696, to the widow of 
Capt. John Withington, James White lived near the corner of N and 
Third Streets. The house was built about 1694. 

Thus were located the three houses and several estates previous 
to the close of the 1 7th century. 

The town of Dorchester chose no representative to the General 
Court in 1687 owing to the fact that Sir Edmond Andros was in power 
and the townspeople, being much discontented with his new govern- 
ment, paid but scant attention to the orders of governor and council. 



42 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Some idea of the compensation representatives to the General 
Court received may be had from the town record of March i i , 1 690, 
wherein it is stated "it is proposed to the town what they would allow 
their representatives or deputies, Timothy Tileston and Samuel Clap 
for their attendance at the General Court this year, and it was voted to 
allow them six shillings a week." 

The value of land in Dorchester Neck varied according to the 
location. In 1690 a choice piece of upland sold at ^4 per acre, and in 
1694 a lot of twelve acres in the vicinity of E Street and Broadway, 
sold for ;^40 in English currency. 

An association of young men was formed on Christmas day, 1698, 
the first in the town, and it remained in existence i 50 years, or until 
1848. 

After 1 700 much of the land at Dorchester Neck changed hands 
owing to the death of the first proprietors and the division among the 
various heirs. 



CHAPTER VII. 
Wars of the Seventeenth Century. 

Trouble with Indians in other sections of New England — Dorchester settlers volunteer in 
these disputes — Pequot war and what caused it — Massachusetts companies partici- 
pate — King Phillip's war — Canada Invasion — List of soldiers from Dorchester 
participating in the Invasion of Canada. 

AROUND their own homes there was but little trouble for the 
Dorchester settlers, from the Indians. The Massachusetts tribes 
were comparatively peaceful and those that belonged to the 
Neponset tribe, about Dorchester, cared nothing for possessions or con- 
quest, but lived at peace with the world. 

But in other sections of New England there was trouble, and even 
in other sections of Massachusetts there were numerous instances of 
cruel butchery by the Indians, and perhaps cruel treatment of the 
Indians by the white men, all of which tended to widen the breach. 

Whenever there was serious trouble in any of the colonies, and 
assistance was needed, the Dorchester settlers were always among the 
first to volunteer for the assistance of their less fortunate neighbors. 

In Rhode Island and Connecticut the Pequots were always at war 
with the English settlers, and the discovery of the murder of Capt. 
John Oldham caused the Pequot war, which finally resulted in the ex- 
termination of that tribe. 

Capt. John Shallop, a mariner from Boston, while on a trading 
expedition, put into Block Island to trade with the Indians. As he 
neared the island he saw a vessel which indicated that those on board 
knew but little about the management of the vessel. Approaching 
nearer he saw that it was in the possession of Indians. Though his 
men numbered but four he determined to capture the piratical vessel, 
which he soon made her out to be. 

After the first fire Capt. Shallop stood off some little distance and 
then approached, the prow of his craft aimed directly against the quarter 
of the enemy. 

After a short and decisive battle he boarded the strange craft and 
there found the body of Capt. Oldham near an old seine. The head 
had been severed. Shallop exclaimed, "Ah, brother Oldham! is it 
thee .-* I am resolved to avenge thy death." And he did avenge him. 

Capt. Oldham, loved and respected by all who knew him, was 
mourned by many. His untimely death and the continuance of such 
atrocities nerved the settlers and they determined to punish the aggres- 
sive Pequots. 



44 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



In Massachusetts five companies of militia were formed, com- 
manded by Capt. John Underhill, Capt. Nathaniel Turner, Ensign 
William Jennison and Ensign Richard Davenport, and they, with a 
company from Dorchester under Israel Stoughton, joined the expedition 
which was in command of Gov. Endicott. The forces were sent out in 
August and September, 1636. 

The finishing blow in the war with the Pequots was struck in 1637, 
when additional men were called for, of which Dorchester furnished 
seventeen. The Pequots numbered 700 and occupied eastern Con- 
necticut, and ruled part of Long Island. 

It was in July, 1637, that the war was ended, and it was largely 
through the efforts of the Dorchester military company under Israel 
Stoughton. 

After suffering heavy losses the Pequots attempted to escape into 
the wilderness, westward. Capt. Stoughton, with a Massachusetts 
company, pursued them along Long Island sound. 

With Saccasus, their sachem, the Pequots took shelter in a swamp 
near Fairfield, and after another severe fight, surrendered, but their 
sachem and a very few followers escaped. These latter fled to join the 
Mohawks, who treacherously murdered them. The prisoners were sold 
into slavery or incorporated with other tribes. Not a warrior, not a 
squaw, not a child survived. 

King Phillip's war created much excitement in Connecticut, and 
in 1676 the following soldiers from the town of Dorchester were in 
Capt. Johnson's company, fighting the Indians : Henry Ware, Hope- 
still Humphrey, John Spurr, Ebenezer Hill, Nicholas Weymouth, John 
Plummer, Charles Capin, Thomas Grant, Thomas Davenport and 
Robert Stanton. 

Phillip of Mounthope was the youngest son of Massasoit, the old 
sachem of the Wampanoags, who died in 1602. 

There had been a treaty with old Massasoit and the Plymouth 
settlers, but after his death his descendants yearned for the freedom 
their fathers enjoyed before the English arrived. This, and personal 
grievances, led to the war. 

The Wampanoags had nothing left but two narrow peninsulas of 
Bristol and Tiverton, on the eastern coast of Narragansett Bay. 

The Indians attacked the villages and killed the white people. 
The militia of Plymouth, augmented by the soldiers from Boston and 
vicinity, entered the enemy's country and the war was on. 

The scene of conflict was transferred from Narragansett Bay to 
the Connecticut valley and then to central Massachusetts, Phillip fleeing 
to these places, each time pursued. 

The war, which was a long and bitter one, extended into Lan 
caster, Groton and Marlboro, all of which were laid in ashes, and Wey 
mouth, twenty miles from Dorchester, met a similar fate. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



45 



The death of King PhiHp was due to treachery, he being slain by 
an arrow from an Indian who had once been his friend. The entire 
tribe had been nearly wiped out and Philip had retired to an obscure 
spot at his old haunts in Mount Hope. A company of soldiers, guided 
by this faithless Indian, was sent in search of him and the Indian fired 
first, killing the old chieftain. 

The expense of this war was about $500,000; thirteen villages and 
600 dwellings were burned, and 600 white men had fallen in battle. 

From the ending of that war there was comparative peace with the 
Indians in New England, for the few that remained were submissive 
and the colonists returned to their farms to rebuild their homes and 
begin life anew. But aid and comfort, in the shape of money and pro- 
visions, arrived from England in 1677. 

In 1690 a large company of soldiers was raised in Dorchester to 
embark on the expedition to Canada. F'orty-six of the company never 
returned, most of them supposed to have been lost at sea. 

The following is a list of the company, as found among the papers 
of Ebenezer Clap, son of Nathaniel Clap, who was one of the leading 
citizens of the town when the company was raised : 



" CANADY SOLDIERS." 

A List of the Names of the Soldiers under the Command of Capt. 
John Withington, October 3, 1690. 

Capt. John Withington Sers:t. Ammiel Weeks 



Lieut. George Minot 
Ensiofn Samuel Summer 



Sergt. Richard Butt 
Serg-t. Samuel Sumner 



Corp. John Poope 
Corp. Joseph Curtis 
Corp. George Holmes 



Joseph Weeks, Clerk. Joseph Trescott, Drummer. 



Ebenezer Sumner 
Henry Lyon 
Eliab Lyon 
Unight Modsley 
William Cheney 
Peter Calley 
Ebenezer Poope 
William Sumner 
Eleazer W'alles 
William Cooke 
Joseph Long 
Thomas Weeks 
Thomas Andrews 
William Sumner 
Samuel Sandras 
Edward Wiatte 
Benjamin Hewins 
Hopestill Sandras 
Solomon Clarke 
Isaac Caps 
Jezeniah Sumner 



Adam Barr 
James Robinson 
Cornelius Tileston 
Richard Ewins 
Samuel Hicks 
John Tolman 
John Jones 
Ebenezer Crane 
Samuel Chandler 
William Fowst 
William Belsher 
David Stevenson 
Henry Jackson 
Thomas Bird 
Augustin Clements 
William Swift 
Moses Chaplin 
John Anderson 
John Leeds 
Consider Atherton 



Those on board Capt. Bay 
Corp. Daniel Hensha 
William Blake 
John Gulliver 
William George 
Joseph Atherton 
Samuel Triscott 
Thomas Keltom 
John Morrill 
James Morey 
Edward Clap 
Jehosephat Crabtree 
John Briant 
Robert Husay 
Charles Readman 
William Baker 
Matthew Mapley 
Elias Moonke 
John Lord 
[ohn Crowhore 



46 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Many years afterward, about 1735, the General Court of Massa- 
chueetts granted to the survivors of that expedition, and to the heirs of 
those who were lost, a township in the northern part of Worcester 
county, which was, called Dorchester Canada. This was incorporated 
into a town in 1765 and called Ashburnham. The rights of the land 
were sold from time to time and Hezekiah Barbour and Thomas Tile- 
ston purchased a large number of them. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Prominent Men of the Seventeenth Century. 

Rev. lohn Warham— Rev. lohn Maverick— Rev. Richard Mather— Israel Stoughton— 
William Stoughton— Henry Wolcott— Roger Ludlow— Roger Clap— Bernard Capen 
—John Capen— Roger Collicott— Capt. John Mason— Maj.-(ien. Ilumprey Atherton— 
Roger Williams— I lopestill Foster— James Foster— Thomas Wiswell— Enoch Wis- 
well— Oliver Wiswell— Bird family— Capt. John Withington— Isaac Jones— Ebenezer 
Jones — lames White — William Blake — Deacon James Blake. 

WHEREVP:R men dwell each is expected to do his share for the 
advancement of the interests of the community, and each, 
doing his humble part, endeavoring in every honest way to 
benefit his neighbor and himself, and make brighter the lives of those 
around him, not only is considered a respectable citizen of that com- 
munity, but by his manifestations of public spirit, he is a valuable 
member of society — in this country a loyal American. 

Every generation has had such men, and the history of our country 
abounds in the lives of such in every generation. Although, perhaps, they 
may not achieve national distinction, yet they have performed their duty 
as it seemed to them and they manifested a desire to do more if need be. 

To our forefathers, of the seventeenth century, the first settlers in 
Dorchester, is due undying glory for laying so well the foundations 
that time has made one of the best sections in the country, and a part 
of that marvellous Commonwealth which has borne so noble a part 
in the building of America. 

Originally the entire section was known as Dorchester, the most 
eastern portion was afterward annexed to Boston and named South 
Boston, and later, Dorchester itself became a part of the metropolis of 
New England. 

Although Rev. John White of Dorchester, PZngland, never set foot 
on Dorchester soil, his name must be mentioned first in a list of some 
of the leading men of that century. Of all the expeditions sent out by 
him, the 140 passengers on the "Mary and John" were his especial 
pride. 

As ministers of the Gospel Rev. John Warham and Rev. John 
Maverick performed well the duties incumbent upon them in attending 
to the spiritual welfare of the Dorchester settlers. After six years of 
faithful service in Dorchester, Rev. Mr. Warham went to Connecticut. 

Rev. Mr. Maverick, assistant to Rev. Mr. Warham, was spoken of 
by Gov. Winthrop as a man of humble spirit, faithful in furthering the 
work of the Lord in the church and state. He devoted his entire time 
to administering to his flock. He w^as a friend to all and loved by them. 



48 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Rev. Richard Mather arrived in Boston in 1636. He accepted the 
call to Dorchester after careful deliberation and assumed the position 
made vacant by the dej^arture of Rev. Mr. Warham. He died in April, 
1669. 

Henry Wolcott, on his departure from England in the " Mary and 
John," was chosen one of the guardians and sponsors for the party, be- 
cause of his middle age and having an adult family. He was remark- 
able for intelligence and ability. 




REV. RICHARD MATHER, 



Roger Ludlow was one of the early arrivals. He was brother-in- 
law to Gov. Endicott, and his position as member of the Colonial govern- 
ment gave him influence in Dorchester. He built a house in the 
vicinity of Reck Hill. Two years after the settlement he secured a 
grant of ico acres from the Colonial government. In 1634 he was 
chosen deputy governor and at the same time was employed to oversee 
the work on the Castle. 

Israel Stoughton was the originator of many projects and he carried 
them through successfully. Shortly after his arrival in 1630 he became 
ensign of the Dorchester band, commanded by Capt. Mason. He was 



HISTOKV OF SOUTH T.OSTON. 



49 



a man of extraordinary forethought and inteUigence. He built the first 
mill at Neponset bridge, was deputy to the General Court in 1634, and 
here, as elsewhere, his thought was hirgely to benefit his people and the 
town. 

William Stoughton, son of Israel, possessed many of the excellent 
qualities of his father. He was educated in Harvard College, and then 
went to New College, Oxford. He was prominent in politics and was 
chief justice of the court, before which were held the trials of witches. 

Roger Clap was one of the youngest passengers on the " Mary and 
John." In 1665 he was appointed commander of the Castle and upon 
the dissolution of the first charter, in 1686, he resigned that position, 
unwilling to lend his co-operation to the tyrannical schemes of Gov. 

Andros. He then removed to Boston 
where he died in 1691, at the age of 82. 
Bernard Capen was an old man when 
he arrived in 1638, yet he took a promi- 
nent part in the affairs of the town. 
His gravestone is probably the oldest 
in New P^ngland. 

John Capen, son of Bernard, was born 
in 1612. He was held in high esteem 
in Dorchester and was deacon of the 
church in 1658, selectman for many 
\ears, and repeatedly elected deputy, 
and for thirteen years was town recorder 
and wrote more in the records than any 
other man. 

Roger Collicott is first mentioned in 
the records as a collector of furs in 1633. 
In 1636 he was trustee of the town and 
was elected a deputy in 1637, was a 
charter member of the Ancient and 
Honorable Artillery Company, of which he was the first sergeant. 
He was engaged in commerce during his life, mostly with Maine. 
He later moved to Boston where he died in 1686. 

There were several well trained military men among the settlers. 
Shortly after the settlement of Dorchester a military company was 
formed. Capt. John Mason, who arrived in 1630, on the " Mary and 
John," took command in 1633. He was employed in laying out the 
works at the Castle and also in fortifying Rock Hill in 1634. In 1635 
he was a deputy to the General Court. 

The chief military officer for New England was Maj-Gen. Hum- 
phrey Atherton, who commanded the Suffolk regiment. He arrived in 
Dorchester in 1636 and early showed a love of military affairs and 
joined the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of which he was 




MR, WILLIAM STOUGHTON 



50 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



captain fi-om 1650 to 1658. He was a friend to the Indians, mani- 
festini,^ much s}'mpathy for them in their dei;;raded and ii^norant con- 
dition. 

Roger W'ilHams was one of the earhest settlers in Dorchester, but 
afterwards removed to Boston. 

Ricliard Hawes arrived in the " Freelove " in 1635 and was one of 
the most pubhc spirited citizens. 

Edward Rosseter joined the " Mary and John " passengers, him- 
self a seeker for religious freedom, and was an honored citizen. He, 
with Stoughton, were the largest grantees of land in Dorchester. 

Nathaniel Duncan was a selectman from 1635 to 1645, was a 
charter member of the Ancient and Honorable Artiller}' Company, and 
was a most successful merchant. 

Of the early settlers in Dorchester those who took particular 
interest in the portion known as Dorchester Neck, now South Boston, 
were the Fosters, Wiswells, Blakes, Withingtons, Mathers, Jones, 
and White families. 

Of these early families at Dorchester Neck the best information is 
secured from the work of Mr. Francis E. Blake, a descendant of the 
well known Blake family. He sets forth therein that the first house 
on the Neck was erected on the Foster estate, preceding the Blake 
house b)' but a few years. 

In the year 1635, Hopestill Foster, then a boy of fourteen, with 
his mother, came from England and settled in Dorchester. He, in 
time, became closely identified with the interests of the town and was 
one of its most influential inhabitants. 

For many years he was one of the selectmen, in 1652 was a deputy 
to the General Court and in many other positions he served the town 
faithfully and well, He was a member of the Ancient and Honorable 
Artillery Company in 1642 and of the Dorchester Training Band in 
1644, whence he obtained his military title of ensign and captain. 

The frequent recurrence of his name in connection with public 
affairs, as well as the more personal relations with his neighbors, attest 
the excellence of his character, and the esteem in which he was held. 
The brief record of his death, is very comprehensive : " This year 
(1676) Died Capt. Hopestill Foster, Ocbr. 15, So often Improved in ye 
Town & Countrys Service." 

James Fo.ster, the eldest son of Capt. Hopestill and Mary (Bates) 
Fo.ster, was born April 13, 1651. He was twice married, the first 
time, September 22, 1674, to Mary Capen, and the second time to 
Mary Lane. It is reasonable to conclude that about the time of his 
first marriage he lived at the Neck, for mention is made in his father's 
will of the son's house " where he was living in 1676." 

Thomas Wiswell and his son Enoch Wiswell were early settlers in 
Dorchester and owned lands at the Neck. 



^IST()K^■ OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



51 



Oliver Wiswell, son of Enoch, was born Januai'}' 25, 1665, in 
Dorchester; June i, 1690, married Sarah Baker. He was a cordwainer 
by trade. It is believed that he went to the Neck about the time of 
the division of his father's estate in 1710, at which time he doubtless 
secured possession of the lands. 

The first mention of the Bird family in connection with the Neck 
lands is in 1677, when Thomas, John and James Bird, brothers, bought 
of Samuel Farnsworth, eighteen acres of land for " fift}' jiounds in good 
and lawfuU money of this Country. " 

Thomas Bird, the eldest, probably purchased his brothers' rights 
in this estate, for a few years later the title appears in his own name. 
He was son of Thomas and Ann Bird. 

Benjamin Bird, the son, was born in Dorchester, 1686, and married 
Johanna Harris and by her had fifteen children. He resided in Boston 
for a time, but later returned to the Neck. 

Capt. John Withington was an earl}- resident at the Neck. His 
grandfather, Elder Henry Withington, wh(i died in 1666, was the owner 
of twenty-four acres of plowed land which he gave to his son Richard, 
father of Captain John. The latter, doubtless, received this by gift from 
his father, as it does not appear in the father's estate in 1701. 

It is not known at what time John Withington built a house upon 
his lands at the Neck, but it is a fact that as early as 1690 he was living 
there. But little is known of him, except that in 1690 he commanded 
a company of soldiers from Dorchester and vicinit)' in the Canada In- 
vasion and never returr.ed. 

In 1686 Richard Mather owned a farm of thirty-two acres on the 
Neck. He was a son of Timothy Mather and was born in Dorchester, 
in 1653. The father, in 1667, was taxed for twent}'-eight acres of 
plowed land. 

Mr. Mather, Jul}' i, 1680, married Catherine Wise, and perhaps in 
anticipation of this marriage began his preparations for building a 
house. 

Isaac Jones, who lived at "Jones Hill " (near the present Stoughton 
Street, Dorchester), conveyed the propert}' in 1694 to his son Ebenezer, 
who, we are inclined to believe, had occupied the premises after Mr. 
Mather's removal. The family of Jones was identified with the estate 
more than fift}' years. 

Ebenezer Jones, who was born in Dorchester December 20, 1661, 
was a " yeoman " and doubtless led a quite life at the Neck, his name not 
being mentioned in any connection with public service. 

James W'hite, son of Ebenezer and Patience White, was the owner 
of land at the Neck as early as 1667. It is supposed that he built a 
house on the Neck before 1696. James married Sarah Baker, who 
died in 1688, and in 1696 he married the widow of his former neighbor, 
Capt. John Withington. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTt)N. 



Of Mr. White's character, his pubHc or private Hfe, we have no 
record. Neither is it clear that he hved, after his second marriage, at 
the Withington homestead. He died November 1 1, 171 3. 

Wilham Blake was born in Pitminister, Somerset County, Eng- 
land, in 1594. He married there in 161 7 and with five children came 
to New England sometime between 1630 and 1636. He settled in 
Dorchester and in 1637 shared in the division of the lands at the Neck. 
His son, James, was an active man, "much in public service," being 
ruling elder, deacon, recorder, etc. Previous to 1650 he built, in the 
northerly part of the town, a house which is still standing, although 
removed from its former location. Mr. Blake died in 17 10, leaving by 
will, to his son James, " all my Land at Dorchester Neck, adjoyning to 
his house that he dwells in ; all my Lands on both sides of the way to 
the Castle, being about six and thirty acres." 

Deacon James Blake built the second house erected on the Neck, 
as is shown in the town records. 

Mr. James Blake's attention was given to farming, although he 
was occasionally elected for town service. He was deacon of the 
church twenty-three years, refusing, however, to serve as elder, although 
chosen to that office. His last years were years of suffering, and he 
died, October 22, 1732, at the age of eighty. His grave is in the old 
cemetery in Dorchester. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Dorchester, 1700 to 1750. 

Few houses at Dorchester Neck at the opening of the eighteenth century — The will of ( 'apt. 
Foster — The Wiswell family — The Bird family — Withington heirs allowed his 
property — Ebenezer Jones" quiet life — White and Blake families — Public spirit 
everywhere apparent — Change of Ministers — Frosts result in much suffering — 
Dorchester settlers participate in the war between France and England. 

ALTHOUGH there was some change in the proprietors of land at the 
Neck, after 1700, yet there was but httle difference in the num- 
ber of polls, houses, and acres of fertile land between that year 
and 1750. 

At the opening of the i 8th century there were but few houses on 
the peninsula and these were on the Foster estate, the Hlake house, 
the Ebenezer Jones homestall, Capt. Withington' s former home, but 
which, after his death in the Canada invasion, came into the possession 
of his widow, who married James White ; and also the house of James 
White, near the corner of N and Third Streets, which was afterward 
sold to Oliver Wiswell, Jr. 

In 1725 there were but seven dwellings, as can be seen by the 
accompanying map, the Foster house on E Street near Fourth Street, 
the Wiswell house on Fourth Street just above the old road, the Bird 
house on Fifth Street near H Street, the Withington house on Sixth 
Street, between I and K Streets, the Jones house on Third Street near 
K Street, the White house, corner of Third and N Streets, and the 
Blake house, corner of Broadway and P Street. 

On the death of Capt. Hopestill Foster, October 15, 1676, a large 
estate, valued at ^^1402 6s. 8d., was left, suitable provision being made 
for his wife, after whose death the property was to be divided among 
the children. A valuable portion of the lands was located at the Neck. 
To his sons. Comfort and Standfast, he gave " land at Leeke Hill reserv- 
ing a convenient piece on ye south side next ye high way for a meeting- 
house if such an occasion bee. " Leek Hill was an eminence near the 
present corner of Second and Dorchester Streets. At the time of the 
bequest there was no occasion for a meeting-house in this locality, but 
it is probable that Capt. Foster anticipated that a greater number of 
settlers would take up their homes on the peninsula, earlier than was 
really the case. 

The lot was sold a few years later with the meeting-house reserva- 
tion, but it was entirely ignored in subsequent transfers. Without 
question this may be regarded as the first reference on record to the 
possible religious wants of the residents of the Neck. No house for 



54 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




SOUTH BOSTON, 1725-1875, 
(DRAWN BY MR. FRANCIS E. BLAKE. i 



HISroRV OF SOUTH llOSTON. 55 

religious worship, however, was erected anywhere on the jieninsula 
until shortly before 1820. 

The elder James Foster inherited some of the characteristics of his 
father, Hopestill, and, although not so prominent as he in public life, 
yet he served the town in many official capacities and was held in high 
esteem. He was also inclined to military service and for many years 
bore the title of Captain. He died October 4, 1732, aged eighty-one 
years and six months, and was buried in the old burx'ing ground at Dor- 
chester. 

He devised b)' will his large estate to his wife and nine children, 
six daughters and three sons, James, John and Hopestill. 

Among other bequests of Capt. Foster to his son, James, was one 
before mentioned, of certain lands at the Neck with " the house and 
barn where he now lives. " James h\:)ster was the one who built the 
first house on the Neck. West of the Foster house was an orchard of 
several acres, which, in 1720, with a cider mill house, he gave to his 
son, James, as a start in the battle of life. 

The eldest son, Capt. James l^\:)ster, Jr., received the homestead 
and adjoining lands. Little is known of him or his famil)', and it is 
supposed that he led a quiet, domestic life, never having held public 
office. 

The old records show that about 1710 Oliver Wisell, son of Enoch, 
removed to the Neck, lliis was about the time of the division of his 
father's estate, and it is supposed that he then came into possession of 
the lands. 

The location of his house, at the foot of Strawberry Hill, the most 
westerly of the Twin Hills, was very near where the Bird schoolhouse 
now stands, on Fourth Street, foot of Pacific Street. A lane to the 
house left the main road "Way to the Castle" probably about where 
Silver Street now passes east from Dorchester Street. 

Mr. Wiswell, in 1727, gave to his son, Oliver, in consideration of 
his living with his parents while the other sons had been learning trades, 
the westerly part of his dwelling house and cellar, and two acres of land 
about the house, the use of the well of water and the westerly half of 
the garden. The house faced to the north and the two acres extended 
along the road to the Castle, now Dorchester Street, to Third Street. 

In 1732, Mr. Wiswell gave to his son, Enoch, the easterly portion 
of his dwelling, with a large part of the orchard. The fruit of the 
cherry trees on this estate, even to within the past twenty-five years, 
had a particularly fine flavor for the boys, and they were allowed to 
pick them without molestation. There were several transfers of real 
estate by this Wiswell family, but all trace of the old transfers has been 
lost. Mr. Wiswell died March 14, 1746, aged eighty-three. 

The houses of Oliver Wiswell, Jr., and Enoch Wiswell, joined each 
other, and in fact were one building, each having his separate portion. 
The house was about fifty-six feet long and twenty feet wide. 



56 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

It was l^enjaniin Bird, son of Thomas Bird, who built a house and 
dwelt upon the Neck, shortly after 1721. There is no evidence that 
any of the Bird family, before Benjamin, resided on the Neck. By the 
division of the property, Benjamin received a goodly portion, and after 
removing from Boston, where he had lived for a time, and afterwards in 
Dorchester, he resided at the Neck. He was quite an important man 
in the town and his name often appeared upon the records in oflficial 
positions, j-le was also interested in other lands at the Neck. 

The Bird house was situated to the south of the easterly hill, on 
which is now the Perkins Institution, upon or very near the spot that 
later was so well known as the Dr. Samuel G. Howe homestead. Al- 
though shut out from much of the view of the harbor, and of Boston 
and Charlestown, which many of the other settlers of the Neck enjoyed, 
yet the main settlement in Dorchester was plainly in sight. 

Whether or not in earl)^ }'ears Mr. Bird had the right of way 
through his neighbor Wiswell's lands, corresponding to what a century 
later was known as Bird lane, does not appear in any of the records or 
sources of information. It appears likely, as in after years, there was 
a private road from the house, running northerly, parallel with G Street. 
There are also indications on old maps and plans that there was a way 
that left the main road at the " Mouth of the Neck " at about Dor- 
chester and Ninth Streets, and extended around on the southerly side 
of the hills. Mr. Bird died suddenly, March 29, 1757. 

On the death of Capt. John Withington, his wife and five children, 
who are named in the division of the property, lived in the house close 
to the " Way to Powow Point." The house was a low structure, com- 
mon in those days, having but one story with a garret above. The five 
children were Richard, Samuel, PTizabeth, Hannah and Susannah. 
The eldest son, Richard, received two-thirds of the house and the lands 
immediatel}' adjoining. At the death of his mother, November 19, 
1722, he became possessor of her .share, and it is supposed that he 
resided on this estate until his own death, March i 8, i 749. 

From th-e will of Richard Withington it is supposed that he had 
added another story to the house, as it is described as " two stories and 
a garret," and measured forty feet b)- twenty feet. It was appraised 
at ^200, a barn at jCS^, corn barn at ^20 and there are mentioned 
thirty-eight acres of land. It is interesting to note the articles of house- 
hold furniture and utensils described in the inventory. There was an 
old cupboard and an old chest of drawers, one oval table, two other 
tables, ten chairs and a looking-glass, spinning wheels, pillion and a 
great variety of miscellaneous articles. 

PIbenezer Jones was the son of Isaac Jones of Dorchester. Isaac 
bought the Mather estate in 1687 for ^^250, current money of New 
England. 

There are many indications that P^benezer Jones lived a quiet life 
with his family on their farm at the Neck. This farm embraced much 



HISTORY OK SOUTH I'.OSTON. 57 

of the territory between I and K Streets and from Emerson to l^rst 
Streets. There was a good sized house and a barn and about thirty- 
two acres of land. The house was two stories with a garret, and men- 
tion is made in the papers of the Jones family of a lower room, a 
bedroom, a chamber and a garret- A well was situated near the house, 
and near the barn was a pond reserved for the cattle. 

About forty years before his death, in 1735, Mr. Jones sold eleven 
acres from the eastern side of his farm to his son, Ichabod, giving him 
liberty to use a well of water " where he now dwells." There is no 
record of a house on this eleven acre lot of Ichabod's, for more than 
fifty years subsequent to the conveyance, but a barn is mentioned in 
several papers. 

On the death of the elder Jones, in 1735, six children survived, 
five of whom subsequently had families and homes of their own. The 
value of Mr. Jones' estate' in 1735 was i^HSH os. 6d., the house being 
rated at £160, and seventeen acres of the homestead lands at p^Sio, 
the latter being at the rate of about one-third of a cent per square foot. 
From thetract of land owned by Ichabod Jones, in the neighbor- 
hood of what is now K Street, or a little to the west of that street, a 
wharf was built, extending into the harbor. This is the first mention 
of a wharf at the Neck. It was afterward used as the landing place 
for the ferry between Boston and South Boston. 

Of James White but little is known. In 1713 he owned a lot of 
thirty acres upon which stood a dwelling-house. It is not known 
where he lived after his second marriage, in 1696, with the widow of 
Capt. John Withington. He died, November 11, 171 3, leaving but 
little property and little money to his wife. A few weeks before his 
death he sold to James Blake the house and barn with seventeen acres of 
land which were on the northerly side of the Neck, between our present 
M and N Streets, embracing a large part of the tract for many years, 
in the iQth century, known as the City Lands. With a lot of seven 
acres adjoining, this was sold, March 10, 1738, and three days after- 
ward was again transferred to Oliver Wiswell, Jr. It is not known 
whether or not Mr. Wiswell occupied the house; it is supposed, though, 
that he did live there. 

William Blake, a settler between 1630 and 1636, and who died 
about 1700, by his will, left to his son, James Blake, all the land at 
Dorchester Neck adjoining the house that James was then dwelling in, 
and all lands on both sides of the " \Way to the Castle," being about 
thirty-six acres. 

James Blake died October 22, 1732, at the age of eighty, and he 
bequeathed to his son, James, who was born in the old house, April 29, 
1 688, the new dwelling-house and barn and orchard, and all the land 
lying on both sides of the house, on the " Way to the Castle," forty- 
four acres in all. By the will, dated August 8, 1 721, it appears that 
the first Blake house had been replaced by a new one, previous to 172 i. 



^8 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

The greater part of the life of Mr. Blake was devoted to public 
service and he was held in high esteem by every one. For twenty-four 
years he was town clerk and at various times filled other important 
ofifices. His records alone cover more than a thousand pages. He 
was a skilful surveyor and his plans are models of neatness and 
accuracy. His death occurred December 4, 1750, and his son, Samuel, 
succeeded to the estate, 

During this time the town meetings were quite interesting. The 
male residents seemed to vie with each other, eager to propose some- 
thing for the good of the community. Throughout the colony it was 
the same ; there seemed to be a desire on the part of all to advance, 
not only self interests, but the prosperity of all. 

In 1729, Rev. John Danforth, who had been sole minister for 
forty-seven years, having become aged, was replaced by Rev. Jonathan 
Bowman, who was called by the church to act as colleague pastor. He 
was ordained November 5, 1729. Rev. Mr. Danforth died, May 26, 

1730. 

A terrible frost affected the corn crops in 1740, and even after it 
was gathered, a long series of rains and more frost damaged it still 
greater. There was, consequently, but little seed to be had for the 
following spring. So cold was the winter that the harbor was frozen 
and many parties crossed from the point at Dorchester Neck to Castle 
Island. 

The following spring there was a great scarcity of grain. Wheat 
sold at thirty shillings a bushel, rye twenty-two shillings and Indian 
corn for twenty shillings, paper currency. 

A new meeting-house was built in 1744. 

There was another scarcity of corn in 1748, and much suffering. 
It was not owing to any failure of the crops, but because the greater 
part of the crop had been sent to the French plantations upon the 
cessation of hostilities. 

During the summer of 1 749 there was a terrible drought through- 
out the country. It was the worst ever known and there were grave 
fears for the future. It was a very dry spring and by the latter part of 
May the ground was bare and the grass burned. The earth itself was 
dry like powder, and all the wells, springs, brooks and small rivers 
were dried up, streams that were never before known to fail. Even 
the fish in the rivers died and the pastures were so scorched that there 
was nothing green to be seen and the cattle were poor. Hay was 
scarce, there having been but very little cut in the first crop. Barley 
and oats were so scarce that many had nothing but the seed and many 
cut down the grain before it was ripe to use it for fodder. Flax almost 
wholly failed as did also herbs of all kinds, and the Indian corn rolled 
up and withered. The people were desperate and death stared them 
in the face. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



59 



The government proclaimed a day of fasting and prayer during 
the latter part of June, and on July 6, there was a great downfall of rain 
and the face of the earth was completely altered. The grass, that was 
thought to be dead, revived ; Indian corn recovered and there was a 
very good harvest. God was also good in giving them a moderate 
winter and thus many of the cattle, that otherwise might have died, 
were saved. 

So grateful were the people for the rain that had fallen that all 
united in a day of Thanksgiving. 

In March, 1744, war between PZngland and France being declared, 
the English colonies in America took part, and Massachusetts furnished 
a large number of troops. 

In 1746 the people of Dorchester, like those of the neighboring 
towns, were troubled at the approach of a strong fleet from France 
consisting of thirty men of war, sixty-seven transports, besides land 
forces of 40,000 arms, twenty-five mortars and fifty brass field pieces. 
The ships of war had on board 8,000 disciplined troops, and this body, 
with those gathered at Menis and many of the French of Nova Scotia, 
who would have joined, would surely have made much trouble for the 
colonists. 

Castle William was garrisoned and much repairing done there and 
among other batteries around Boston. Hulks were prepared to stop 
the channel by sinking them, and about half the regiments of the 
country were assembled in Boston and the lower towns. 

The one great hope was the expected arrival of Admiral Lesstock 
with a large fleet from England, who, it was supposed, would follow 
the enemy and relieve the people of anxiety. 

But contrar)' winds prevented, and the danger grew more terrible. 
Yet God, in his Providence, was pleased to take an important j^art and 
He sent sickness among the French soldiers, the chief commander and 
the second in command being among the many that died. 

There were also terrible storms that cast away several of the 
French ships and disabled others. So discouraged did all this make 
the French that they sailed away to France without striking a blow. 



CHAPTER X. 

Dorchester, 1750 to 1775. 

But seven dwellings on the Neck — Little progress made during this period — Happiness 
and prosperity continue — Repeal of the Stamp act — Town votes to encourage use 
of home products — Arrival of ships of war with British troops — Dorchester com- 
pliments the merchants of Boston — Nine resolutions passed by the town of Dor- 
chester which occasioned admiration of the entire colony — Taking of the Castle by 
the British, source of much regret — Committee of correspondence chosen by the 
town — Dorchester first to pay its Province tax to the Sons of Liberty — Military 
trainings in 1774 — Dorchester Neck in 1775 — House in "The Village" — (Jther 
houses — Rev. Mr. Bowman chosen minister. 

IN 1750 there were seven dwelling-houses on the Neck, one on the 
estate of James Blake, another on that of Benjamin Bird, one on the 
rooster estate and another owned by the same James Foster but 
located on the Jones estate ; one house owned by Oliver Wiswell, Jr., 
another owned by heirs of Oliver Wiswell and the seventh owned by 
the heirs of Richard Withington. 

The journey to the meeting-house in Dorchester, from Dorchester 
Neck, was usually pleasant, yet great precaution had to be taken lest 
the " Mouth of the Neck" should be flooded and thus obstruct the road 
homeward. 

Throughout the entire Dorchester colony there was continued 
happiness and prosperity, yet there seemed to be, growing stronger and 
stronger each day, like in the other colonies of the new world, a more 
determined opposition to the contemptible methods of the English 
government, occasioned by the continued taxation on commodities sent 
from England, and innumerable other incidents that tended more and 
more to estrange the colonists from the mother country. 

The new world was a heaven to them. There was no ruler, no 
monarch, no dictation as to what they must believe, or what they 
should do in a religious way. The gospel of Christ was preached to 
them by their ministers and they enjoyed a freedom which they loved 
and cared not to part with. 

On all occasions wherein the colonists participated in matters of 
public importance, opposition to the rule of England, and afterwards 
the opposition by force of arms, the Dorchester colonists took a promi- 
nent and creditable part. 

In 1 76 1 there was argued before the Court in Boston the great 
cause in the matter of Writs of Assistance. This may be called the 
opening act of the Revolution. James Otis made the famous argument 
against it, and his effort was a masterly one. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 6 1 

When the repeal of the Stamp act was made known May 19, 1766, 
having passed the House of Commons and the House of Lords March 
1 8, there was great rejoicing throughout the colony. Many demon- 
strations were "held in 15oston and there was a big celebration in Dor- 
chester. 

The most intense excitement in the history of the Dorchester 
colony, as perhaps in all the colonies, was that after the repeal of the 
Stamp act, which excitement continued until long after the close of the 
Revolution. 

Everywhere there was a determination to use only the products of 
the country and its manufactures. Dorchester was one of the first 
to take the step, and in 1 767 the town voted to encourage the produce 
and manufactures of the country and lessen the use of foreign super- 
fluities. So it was that the colonists abstained from many luxuries and 
even many ordinary articles of food, and denied themselves, rather than 
submit to the taxation of England. 

September 30, i 768, the long expected ships of war, with British 
troops aboard, arrived in the harbor. There were armed schooners, 
transports, etc., and they came up the harbor and anchored round the 
town. Their cannon were loaded and all made ready as if for a regular 
siege. These vessels were the Beaver, Senegal, Martin, Glasgow, 
Marmaid, Romney, Lancaster and Bonetta, which, with the vessels 
already in the harbor, made twelve. 

At noon, Saturday, October 4, the 1 4th and 29th regiments and a 
detachment from the 59th regiment and train of artillery, with two 
pieces of cannon, landed on Long wharf. 

After forming line on the wharf, they marched with insolent par- 
ade, drums beating and fifes playing and colors flying, up King Street, 
each soldier having received sixteen rounds of powder and ball. 

The arrival of this fleet was another step of the English govern- 
ment that further angered the colonists and helped to keep alive the 
spirit of rebellion and irritation. 

The town of Dorchester, in 1770, complimented in handsomely 
prepared resolutions, the merchants of Boston, who had agreed not to 
import certain articles while the duty remained on them, such as glass, 
paper, etc., and voted not to purchase goods of those importers who 
would not also make similar agreements, and they also voted not to 
drink tea, except in cases of sickness, until the duty was removed. 

January 4, 1773, the town of Dorchester unanimously passed nine 
resolutions in relation to Colonial affairs, taking a stand which made 
them admired by the entire colony. They set forth that the efforts of 
the British Parliament to impose upon the colonists laws, without their 
consent, was a usurpation ; that the wresting from the control of the 
Province its principal fortress (The Castle) was a great grievance ; that 
an act of Parliament to hurry persons from their country for trial " ap- 
pears to come little .short of any court of inquisition." There were 



62 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 








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other resolves of a similai' character. The)' aLso extended hearty 
thanks to the people of Boston for their constant watch of the enemies 
of the country. 

The taking away of the Castle, a fortress in which the town of 
Dorchester had always a special interest, as it was nearer that shore 
than any other, was a source of much regret to them. Dorchester had 
taken most active part in its erection, and provided for it, and for many 
years it was in charge of one of Dorchester's favorite sons. 

At the meeting where these resolutions were passed, the town also 
chose a committee of correspondence, consisting of Capt. Lemuel 
Robinson, Capt. John Romans and Samuel How. This committee was 
to represent the town in all conferences with similar committees from 
other towns in the management of affairs concerning the opposition to 
Great l^ritain's impositions. 

Dorchester was one of the first towns to take the step of paying 
its Province tax to Henry Gardner of Stow, rather than to Harrison 
Gray Otis. Gardner was treasurer of the Sons of Liberty which was 
organized about 1768, and Otis was treasurer for the Crown. At the 
same meeting it was also voted to post in a public place the names of 
all those persons who made use of or sold East India tea. 

It having become evident that there would be a conflict between 
the colonists and the British soldiers, the }ear 1774 was remarkable for 
the " trainings " and large numbers of the male inhabitants particiimted. 

Dorchester Neck, in 1775, had nine dwelling houses, in which were 
twelve families. 

On Nook Lane, or "The Way to the Nook," was the Foster house, 
which, as stated before, was the only house west of " The Way to the 
Castle." The next house was that owned by Mr. Bird, situated on a 
lane leading from what is the head of Fourth Street, and a short distance 
from what is now G Street was a lane in which was built a barracks 
about one story high. This barracks was afterward altered into a dwell- 
ing house by adding a second story, and it was occupied by Oliver 
Wiswell. 

Near the present old Hawes' church, opposite police station 12, 
were several houses known as " The Village. " One of these was occu- 
pied by Mr. Deluce, one by Mr. Marshall and another by Mr. Harring- 
ton. One of these remained standing until a few years ago, when it 
was destroyed to make way for a more modern dwelling house. 
Deluce' s house was a low building, and for many years before its 
destruction in 1856, was unoccupied. 

Then there was the Williams house, not far from station 1 2, and 
behind it, nearer to the seashore, was the house of Mr. Farrington, and 
a little to the east of this on a lane leading from the Old Road stood the 
Mann house. 

Still further east and near the present location of the old Hawes' 
burying grounds stood the house of Mr. Harrington, some of whose 



64 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

descendants still reside in South Boston. A short distance southeast 
of the house stood the barn. 

Nearly opposite the Harrington house, and close to what is now 
East Fourth Street, was John Wis well's house, and in his orchard, east 
of the house, was his barn. 

At the extreme Point was the house and barn of Deacon Blake. 
On this estate was a large orchard consisting of 100 trees of various 
kinds. 

Between Dorchester Street and D Street were numerous trees, 
almost a small forest. There was also a fine orchard on the Foster 
estate and the remainder of the property was largely given up to 
pasturage. 

The nine houses at Dorchester Neck, therefore, were occupied by 
Mrs. Foster, Mr. Bird, Mr. Deluce, Mr. Williams, Mr. Farrington, Mr. 
Harrington, John Wiswell, Deacon Blake and Oliver Wis well. Other 
residents were Mr. Marshall and Mr. Mann. 

In 1744, after a pastorate of forty-four years. Rev. Mr. Bowman 
severed his connection with the church and his place was filled by Rev. 
Moses Everett. May 27, 1774, he was unanimously chosen pastor. 



CHAPTER XI. 
Events Prior to the Siege and Evacuation of Boston. 

British soldiers become numerous in Boston — Boston massacre, the tea party, the Boston 
port bill and other events — Resistence to acts continued — Boston Neck fortified — 
American fortifications in Somerville, Cambridge and Roxbury — Seige of Boston 
commenced — Gen. Washington takes command of the army — Cannon, mortars, 
etc., brought from Ticonderoga — Calm Ijefore the storm — Many residents at the 
Neck removed to Dorchester for safety — British raid on Dorchester Neck — A 
thousand British soldiers cross from the Castle and destroy si.x dwellings, barns, etc., 
and take prisoners — Description of houses destroyed — Consternation among Dor- . 
Chester residents, owing to the raid — Damage to the property. 

THE complete story of the War of the Revolution and what led to 
it, is of no particular interest in the history of any one locality. 
Although Dorchester and its people took a prominent part in that 
memorable contest, the result of which was the formation of a new 
Republic, the events of the entire war have filled several volumes, and 
need no repitition here. Students of history, even in our public schools, 
know of the noble and successful struggle made by the colonists. 

As stated by a well known historian the people of New England 
brought with them the principles that the people are the fountain of 
political power and that there can be no just taxation without repre- 
sentation, and they contended for the right of applying these principles 
according to their demands. 

As the most important event of the War of the Revolution 
occurred within the confines of what is now South Boston, as it was 
here in our own district and on our shores that batteries and fortifica- 
tions were erected, and upon our own Dorchester Heights that Gen. 
Wa.shington struck the first and most telling blow that warned the 
British tyrants that the Americans were a strategic people, a deter- 
mined people, and a people ready to lay down their lives, if necessary, 
for their laudable purpose, this History of South Boston would not 
be complete unless mention was made of those important chapters of 
American history. 

The Stamp act was the first step that incited and angered the 
people, and it was in August, 1765, that the riots occurred in opposi- 
tion to this iniquitous ta.x. Within a few years the English soldiers 
became more numerous in Boston, and March 5, 1770, the terrible 
Boston massacre occurred. December 16, 1773, the "Tea Party" 
was held, and citizens, disguised as Indians, threw the cargoes of tea 
overboard, which, as Hutchinson wrote, was the boldest stroke that 
had been struck in America. 



66 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOST(JN. 

The Boston port bill was signed March 31, 1774, and went into 
effect on the first day of June. The execution of this measure devolved 
upon Gen. Thomas Gage, who arrived in Boston, May 13, 1774. 

This bill aroused the indignation of the people to a still greater 
pitch, and the loyalists, who favored the bill, were alarmed. Hence a 
large force was soon concentrated in Boston. 

June 74, the 4th. or king's own regiment, and on the i 5th. the 43rd. 
regiment landed at Long wharf and encamped on the Common. Addi- 
tional troops arrived, and on the 4th. and 5th. of July, the 5th. and 38th. 
regiments landed at the same place. On the 6th. of August, the 59th. 
regiment arrived from Halifax, and during the following week landed at 
Salem and there encamped. Additional troops were ordered from 
New York, the Jerseys and Quebec. 

The effort to put into effect this and similar laws was the turn- 
ing point of the Revolution. In July, 1774, circulars were sent 
from Boston by those opposed to the taxation, to all the towns, and 
after that every effort was made to thwart the attempts to carry out 
the law. 

" To obey would be to annihilate the last vestiges of liberty in 
this province," said one patriot, "and therefore we must be justified by 
God and the world in never submitting to them." 

Another said " No danger shall affright, no difficulties shall intimi- 
date us, and if, in support of our rights, we are called to encounter 
even death, we are yet undaunted, sensible that he can never die too 
soon who lays down his life to support the laws and liberties of his 
country." 

Resistence to the acts continued to be manifested in every form. 
Gen. Gage saw no hope of securing obedience, but by the power of 
arms, and the patriot party saw no safety in anything short of military 
preparation. 

Gen. Gage fortified Boston Neck (about where now is Washington 
and Dover Streets) and this added to the excitement of the times. He 
mounted on the works two 24-pounders and eight 9-pounders. Every 
possible effort was made to prevent this, but without success. 

The first six months of 1775 were eventful ones in Boston. Insults 
continued to be heaped upon the people by the British soldiers. In 
every possible way Gen. Gage endeavored to annoy the inhabitants. 

The Battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill took place during this 
time, and they emphasized to England that the colonists would willingly 
give up their lives, if necessary, to protect their liberties. Although no 
victory was gained at either place, for either side, yet it showed to the 
world of what the Americans were made. 

Immediately after the Battle of Bunker Hill fortifications were 
built on Prospect Hill and Winter Hill in Somerville, and at Cambridge 
there were extensive works stretching from near the colleges to the 
Charles River. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



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1-2— British Works at Boston Neck, 
5 — Gen. Lee's Division. Somerville. 
8— British Fleet. 



3 — Gen Ward's Division, Roxbury. 4 — Gen Putnam s Division, Cambridge. 

6— Dorchester Heights Redoubts. 7— Nook Hill. 

9-9 — Where American troops would have landed if British attacked redoubts. 



58 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

On the Roxbury end the work of fortifying was carried on vigorously 
under the direction of Gen. John Thomas. There was a fort upon the 
hill near the meeting-house, an intrenchment at Dudley House, includ- 
ing the garden and extending to the hill east of the meeting-house. 
There was a small breastwork across the main street, and another on 
the Dorchester road near the burying ground. Still another was on 
the road through the lands and meadows, a little south of the George 

Tavern. 

These were the fortifications of the colonists, and June 24 heavy 

cannon were planted at the works on the hill above the Roxbury work- 
house, and July i shot were thrown from them into Boston. 

July 2, 1775, was a memorable one in the history of Boston. On 
this day the Siege of Boston commenced, and Gen. Washington, who 
had been chosen by Congress, June 15, to be general in command of 
the Continental army, took command in Cambridge. There were about 
6,753 inhabitants in Boston at the beginning of the siege. 

On receipt of the news of the Battle of Bunker Hill, a despatch 
was sent from England, dated August 2, withdrawing General Gage 
from command and announcing Gen. Howe as his successor. 

January i, 1776, the opening of the new year, the Union flag of 
the thirteen stripes was hoisted in compliment to the thirteen united 
colonies, and the new Continental army was given renewed life. 

Discouraging indeed was the state of affairs witnessed by Gen. 
Washington when he assumed command. His army consisted of raw 
recruits^ with scant arms, but a small supply of powder, and but few of 
the necessaries of life, yet the entire country was looking and waiting 
with breathless anxiety for him to expel the British forces from Boston. 
Having received a communication from Congress (December 22) 
to make anassault upon the troops in any manner he might think ex- 
pedient, notwithstanding the town and property in it might be destroyed, 
Gen. Washington submitted the question of attack to a council of war, 
January 16. He stated that in his judgment, it was "indispensably 
necessary to make a bold attempt to conquer the ministerial troops in 
Boston before they could be reinforced in the spring, if the means could 
be provided, and a favorable opportunity should offer." 

It was unanimously agreed that a vigorous attempt ought to be 
made on Boston as soon as practicable. The present force, however, 
was inadequate to such an enterprise, and the requisition of Gen. 
Washington on Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, for 
thirteen regiments of militia to be at Cambridge by the first of Feb- 
ruary and to remain until the last of March, was approved by Congress. 
Having obeyed instructions given the November previous to pro- 
ceed to New York, Ticonderoga, Crown Point or St. John's, and there 
secure all the cannon, mortars, shells, lead and ammunition possible. 
Col. Henry Knox returned to Cambridge, January 18, 1776, with a fine 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON, 69 

train of artillery. He had 55 pieces of iron and brass ordnance, one 
barrel of flints and 23 boxes of lead, equal to 2,300 pounds. 

Francis S. Drake says " This achievement stamped the character 
of Knox for boldness, enterprise, fertility of resource and genius, sup- 
plied the means for fortifying Dorchester Heights, and vindicated the 
judgment of Washington in selecting him for the important and respon- 
sible duties of the artillery and ordnance departments. " 

Gen. Washington had completed the reorganization of his army and 
had about 100 barrels of powder in reserve. 

During the month of February there was but little of importance 
undertaken by W^ashington. Three British sentinels were captured at 
Boston Neck without a gun being fired, the w\:»rks at Lechmere's Point 
were strengthened and hea\'y cannon and mortar were planted. An- 
other mortar was planted on Lamb's Dam. Discipline was rigidly 
enforced. 

During this month, however, an attack was made on Dorchester 
Neck and considerable damage done. A party of Britishers from the 
Castle and another party from Boston, several hundred grenadiers and 
light infantry, crossed to Dorchester Neck (Scnith Boston) Februar)' 14, 
and surprised the American guard there. The guard consisted of 
seventy men. 

The residents of the Neck, unable to make much resistance to 
possible transgressors, had removed to Dorchester, where they might 
feel reasonably sure of security from danger. They took with them 
the greater part of their household goods and other personal property, 
leaving in some instances small quantities of ha)' and grain and articles 
of but little value. 

Early in the morning of Wednesday, February 14, the British troops 
landed on the Neck, in accordance with orders received from General 
Howe. The detachment from Castle William was in command of 
Lieut. Leslie, and the grenadiers and light infantry were commanded 
by Maj. Musgrave. They destroyed every house that they saw and 
every kind of cover on the peninsula and six of the patriot guards were 
taken prisoners. 

Almon's Remembrancer, under date of P^ebruar}- 22, 1776, gives 
an excellent and clear account of what occurred during this raid. It 
states: " We hear from Dorchester that about four o'clock Wednesday 
morning, a large party of ministerial troops were discovered crossing the 
ice on Boston Neck to Dorchester Neck, supposed to be about a 
thousand. The sentry immediately discharged his piece at them, and 
ran to the guard-house to inform Capt. Barnes (who commanded the 
guard) who had already taken alarm by the sentries firing their pieces ; 
and from information he could get of the course they were steering, 
judged their design was to cut off the retreat of the guard, which con- 
sisted only of sixty men. 



70 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



" Capt. Barnes immediately marched his guard off the Neck to 
the edge of the marsh, and just escaped them, and lest the guns that 
had been fired should not alarm the camp, he had sent off several mes- 
sengers ; the enemy marched along with two field pieces, and posted 
themselves in so advantageous a manner, that Capt. Barnes could not 
attack them with the least hope of success, but waited tor the reinforce- 
ments. 

" In the meantime the regulars improved every minute of their 
time, in setting fire to the buildings on Dorchester Neck, while they 
still moved towards the Castle, where boats were ready to receive them, 
but our troops were so close upon them, that they put out the fire of 
six or seven of the buildings, and reached the point next the Castle, 
before the regulars who had made prisoners of six of the guard, and an 
old man, an inhabitant, had reached the same place. 

" P.S. — It is about two miles from the encampment at Dorchester 
over the causeway, etc., to the said guardhouse, and one mile to the 
point next the Castle. " 

It may have been that Gen. Howe wished merely to destroy the 
houses on the Neck, but it was the opinion of many of the American 
officers, that he hoped, through the alarm caused by this movement of 
his troops, to draw from the main army at Roxbury to such an extent 
that he could, without fear, attack the remainder and force them to 
abandon their position. 

Gen. Washington, in a letter to Congress, describing the event, 
said : " The regulars burned some of the houses there which were of no 
value to us, nor would they have been, unless we take post there. They 
then might have been of some service. " 

There were no grounds for any suspicion of cowardice toward the 
guards, for, in a letter from Col. Huntington to Gov. Trumbull, the 
writer says, "Much blame has been thrown on our guard, at Dorchester, 
on occasion of the late excursion of the enemy there, and burning a few 
desolate houses there, but I hear Gen. Ward approved their conduct. " 

Efforts to learn the name of the " old inhabitant " have been 
without avail. 

From a statement of Mr. Noah Clap, the town clerk of Dorchester, 
there were at the time of this raid, eleven dwelling houses at the Neck, 
of which six were burned, together with ten or twelve barns, shops, etc. 

Fortunately the houses destroyed can be described with some 
degree of accuracy. The following is taken from Mr. Francis E. 
Blake's articles on the raid : 

"The Foster Flouse was the only one on the Neck west of the 
"Road to the Castle" (Dorchester Street) and was occupied by the 
widow of Capt. James Foster with her children. It stood upon the lot 
now covered by Dahlgren hall, on E Street (formerly the E Street 
Congregational church building) and before the erection of this 
building, the old cellar was plainly visible. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH ISOSTON. 7 1 

"The situation of this house was very dehghtful, commanding a full 
view of the towns of Boston, Roxbury and Charlestown. The ground, 
sloping to the north, west and south, made it especially attractive and 
there was nothing to interfere with the view in these directions except 
the small hill, called Nook Hill, which was subsequently occupied and 
fortified by the American forces. 

"The Foster house was surrounded by stately elms and has been 
described as an elegant residence, far exceeding in finish and appoint- 
ments the majority of dwellings in this vicinity. It was " papered and 
painted throughout " so unusual a thing as to be mentioned in a claim 
presented for damages, and it is said that its elegance led the British 
soldiers to think it was the property of a tory. 

" The main house was forty feet by twenty feet, two stories high, 
and a gambrel roof, with an ell, thirty feet by twenty feet, of one 
story. 

"In close proximity to the house were two barns "completely fin- 
ished," besides wood-houses, a shop, a corn barn "partly a store," a cider 
mill, etc. All of these buildings were destroyed, but fortunately Mrs. 
Foster had removed all personal property of value. The fences on the 
estate also suffered at the hands of the troops, some being burned and 
others doubtless being thrown down in their hurried march across the 
fields. The administrator of Mr. Foster's estate claimed £2\ for 
"part of Inventory sold to repair fences laid waste by Fnemy." The 
whole amount of loss here was estimated, in 1782, at £7AS- 

"The next house easterly was that of Mr. Oliver Wiswell, situated 
on a lane, which corresponded nearly with the present Fourth Street, 
east of Dorchester Street — approximate to what was long known (in 
after years) as the Bird schoolhouse. This building, two stories high, 
fifty-six feet by twenty feet, was destroyed and also a very large barn 
with other buildings, hay, implements, etc. 

" From Mr. Wiswell' s house it was but a short distance to the farm 
of Mrs. Ruth Bird, the widow of Jonathan Bird. The house was on 
the easterly side of G Street, on the spot where Dr. Samuel G. Howe 
long resided. It was thirty-six feet by thirty feet, of " two stories and 
a garret " with an ell, and a barn, which were consumed, the total value 
being estimated at ^325. 

" Down the hill near the present corner of Fifth and K Streets was 
the old Withington homestead where Hopestill Withington and family 
long resided. It was a small building, and an old one, " two stories 
and a garret " twenty feet by forty feet, erected before 1757, to replace 
the first house built there by Capt. John Withington, who led the com- 
pany of Dorchester soldiers in the Canada expedition of 1690. 

" Unfortunately, some of the feather beds, bedding, etc., were left 
in the house, which, with the barn, was entirely consumed. Later his 
son claimed the value of the property burned at £2>J. 

"Entering upon the road to the Castle, perhaps through the road to 



72 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Powow Point, the British troops moved easterly to a barn belonging to 
Enoch Wiswell, a brother of Oliver above-named. This we locate on 
the northerly side of P'ourth Street, between M and N Streets. Here 
a house was standing as early as 171 3. Mr. Wiswell was taxed in 1771 
for a house, the annual worth of which was rated at ;^^4 los., but the 
building, if standing in 1776, appears to have escaped destruction by 
the enemy. In addition to the barn a few tons of hay and some agri- 
cultural implements, with a "large brass kettle," were also lost by 
Mr. Wiswell. The total loss here was estimated at p^io6 12s. 

"John Wiswell, a son of Enoch, was at that time, or subsequently, 
a soldier in the Continental service. 

"At the extreme point, near P Street and East Broadway, was the 
Blake estate, upon which were two houses, one belonging to the estate 
of Samuel Blake, deceased, and the other to James Blake. The latter, 
erected previous to 1732, was two stories and a half with an ell, of good 
dimensions and in good condition, and the other was probably of more 
recent building, but of equal value. The two houses with the barn 
near by were both destroyed. It is stated that Mr. James Blake, from 
his house in Dorchester, powerless to prevent the destruction, could see 
the flames from his burning buildings. He had been so much annoyed 
by the British, months before, that he removed nearly everything of 
value from the house, as did also the occupants of the neighboring 
dwelling, and the reported loss of ^^480 coxered the value of the two 
houses and barn." 

Four years after this event Mr. Blake asked leave of the Council 

to remove one of the barracks erected for the use of the army on land 

near by, and place it over " the Cellar of the House of your Petitioner 

which was Burnt by the p]nemy," and that he might "have the benefit 

.of improving the said Barracks a short time as a dwelling-house." 

He desired an immediate answer to his request, that he might 
" take advantage of the present snow to remove it on." It is believed 
that the request was granted, and that Mr. Blake occupied the building 
until he could erect a suitable dwelling" for himself. A portion of the 
house then erected was removed in 1835, and is now occupied by Mr. 
Francis E. Park, on the corner of Broadway and P Street. 

For many years there was a house on what was known as the 
Mann estate on Second Street, between I and K Streets. It was 
standing in 1771, but appears to have escaped the torch of the soldiers 
in 1776. It, or at least a house, was on the spot in 1785. Several 
other houses, perhaps five in all, were left unharmed. One was prob- 
ably owned in part by Matthew Bird, and with others was located 
near the present I and K Streets. 

If any reason can be assigned for these houses having been passed 
without being destroyed it is probably because the march of the soldiers 
was on the southerly side of the hills and they were in so great a hurry 
to get away that they paid no attention to those buildings which were 



HISTORY OK SOUTH I'.OSTON. 73 

not conspicuous. The troops had to hurriedly embark in their boats 
and make for the Castle. 

An account of the raid from a British point of view was given by 
Col. Stephen Kenible, while Deputy Adjutant General of the British 
Army in North America. He wrote at that time : 

"Tuesday, Feb. 13th. This day Musgraves Light Infantry being 
ordered by the General to be struck out of the Detail gave me reason to 
apprehend something was going forward ; the Major of Brigade of the 
day calling on me in the Afternoon with the General's directons for Mus- 
grave's Corps being intended in the detail did not shake my opinion, in 
which I was confirmed by the General's acquainting me in the Evening that 
Maj. Musgrave, with Corps and 7 companies of Grenadiers, were to cross 
the River to Dorchester at 3 in the Morning; the two corps composed 
about 330 Men, and that Col. Leslie, with six companies of the 64th. were 
to land from the Castle on the Neck, directly opposite to it, the Intention 
of both to burn the houses on the Neck from Fosters Hill to the Castle, 
which was executed between 4 and 5 o'clock in the Morning very effectu- 
ally, without the loss of one Man either Killed or Wounded. Five Deserters 
were taken, all country born and belonging to Col. Ward's Regiment, who 
say they were Sentries, and part of a Guard of 70 or 80 men placed there 
at a House near Fosters Hill, but the Guard got entirely off, thro' the dark- 
ness of the Night, during which some snow fell, so as to make it impossible 
for our People to see them hid in the Wood. These Prisoners give little 
intelligence, nor were there found any Fascines or Gabions as a preparation 
for building a Battery on Fosters Hill as we had been given to understand 
was intended. 

" The General gave all the Prisoners leave to return if they chose it, 
but only two of the six chose. 

" Tuesday, Feb. 20th. Three of the Prisoners taken by Major Mus- 
grave on the Morning of the 14th were sent to the lines to be set at liberty. 
The rebel officer refused to receive them till he had acquainted his General 
of it, but they were soon accepted being discharged without any terms 
demanded by our General." 

The total damage by this raid, in an itemized account, places it at 
^^1058, which included total destruction of property and damage done 
by the soldiers. 

The news of the raid and the destruction wrought, caused conster- 
nation among the inhabitants of Dorchester and other towns on the 
coast, and fears of similar raids were entertained by many. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Dorchester Heights and Nook Hill. 

Anxiety throughout the country for an attack to be made upon Boston — Arrangement of 
the American army — Cien. Howe feels secure — Col. Knox's cannon and ammuni- 
tion put to good use — Washington determined to take Dorchester Heights — Prep- 
arations for the event — Attention of the British soldiers diverted — Route to 
Dorchester Heights— Screwed hay wound round the wheels — Formidable appearing 
redoubts erected in one night — Gen. Howe surprised — Abstract from Gen. Heath's 
diary — Gen. Howe determined to attack the intrenchments of the Americans — 
Preparations of Washington to give the British a warm reception— Storm prevents 
the proposed assault— Works on the Heights strengthened — Gen. Howe decides to 
evacuate — Gen. Washington, determined that no mistake shall be made, continues 
the carrying out of his plans — Gen. Washington's letters to the President of Con- 
gress — Gen. Thomas' letter — Unsuccessful effort to fortify Nook Hill followed by 
another attempt which is successful — Immediate evacuation decided upon, and the 
British sail away — Letters of Gen. Washington after the evacuation — General 
rejoicing in the American army — Gen Washington and his army enter Boston — 
Gen. Howe criticised at home — New York the next scene of Washington's work — 
Medal and letter from Congress for Gen. Washington. 

WHILE Boston was in a state of seige the people of the entire 
country were looking and waiting anxiously, ever hopeful, for 
Gen. Washington to make the attack on the British soldiers in 
Boston and to retake the town. 

Very few, save Gen. Washington and his officers, knew of the 
actual condition of the American forces. The army was arranged in 
three divisions, the right wing on the south around Roxbury and Dor- 
chester aggregating about 6,800 men ; the centre at Cambridge with 
about 3,250 men, and the left wing extending from Prospect Hill to 
Winter Hill, with about 5,600 men. Thus were all avenues from 
Boston cut off and the British were really imprisoned. 

Until the early part of 1776 the American army was in poor con- 
dition to make any advance, but through the successful expedition of 
Col. Knox, the situation was made more encouraging. 

In fact it was owing to the lack of ammunition that deterred 
Washington. He would probably have crossed the ice of the Charles 
River and attacked the British forces, but the river did not freeze to 
any appreciable extent that winter, and the plan was abandoned. 

At a council of the officers, held February 16, 1776, Washington 
represented that when the new regiments were all in from Massachusetts, 
New Hampshire and Connecticut, if complete, there would be 7,280 
men ; that the regiments already in camp amounted to 8,797 available 
men besides the officers, and 1,405 men who might be ordered to join 
their respective regiments whenever they were called. On the other 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



75 



hand, from the best intelHgence that could be obtained, the number of 
British in Boston did not exceed 5,000, though they were far better 
equipped than the Americans. 




COL HENRY KNOV, 



GEN. JOHN THOMAS 



GEN. ARTEMAS WARD. 



At this time 
ham was in com- 
fleet in the har- 
ceeded Admiral 
recalled the 
preceding De- 
Gen. Howe 
strongholds. He 
Dartmouth, "We 
least apprehen- 
upon this place 
by surprise (n 
the contrary, hr 
they would at 
step, and c[u' 
trenchments ti' 
attribute theii 
The loyalist- 
unbounded con- 
ultimate tri- 
Britain. 

About the 
when Washing- 
t h e British 
a d \' a n ce , he 




GEN, WASHINGTON ON DORCHESTER HE'GHTS 



plays of force so as to lead the British to suppose that 
had arrived rather than that the force had been greatl) 



Admiral Shuld- 
m a n d of the 
bor, having suc- 
Graves who was 
latter part of the 
cember. 

felt secure in his 
wrote to Lord 
are not in the 
sive of an attack 
from the rebels, 
otherwise." On 
wished " that 
tempt so rash a 
those strong en- 
which they may 
present safety." 
around him felt 
fidence in the 
umph of Great 

first of January, 
ton feared lest 
should make an 
made false dis- 
re-enforcements 
decreased. 



76 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Washington determined to march on Dorchester Heights and 
erect thereon redoubts which should command the harbor, and then to 
fortify Nook Hill. Thus the British would be at his mercy and he 
could attack the town from that point, with every prospect of success. 

To Gen. Washington, and to him alone, is due the credit of the 
conception of this magnificent piece of work, not alone for its successful 
culmination, but the planning and arranging for the remarkable act. 
As commander of the army he was compelled to do something to drive 
the British from Boston, and to him is due first place in the wonderful 
achievement. 

To Gen. John Thomas, who led the forces in their march to Dor- 
chester Heights, to Gen. Artemus Ward, who was in command at Rox- 
bury, and also to Col. Knox, who had secured the necessaries from 
Ticonderoga, are due their share of the glory in following out the 
scheme of Washington. 

Gen. John Thomas was an ardent patriot and a good officer and 
was in command of the camp at Roxbury. He commanded the most 
exposed camp of the beseiged army at that place, and by constant vigil- 
ance preserved it from injury. Among his troops, composed of undis- 
ciplined countrymen, he was the first to introduce order and regularity 
without severity. 

Monday, February 26, Washington wrote, " We have, under many 
difficulties, on account of hard frozen ground, completed our work on 
Lechmere's Point. We have got some heavy pieces of ordnance placed 
there, two platforms fixed for mortars, and everything ready for any 
offensive operation. Strong guards are now mounted there, and also at 
Cobble Hill." Ten regiments had come in to strengthen the lines. 

On this day, also, Washington informed the Council of Massa- 
chusetts of his intention to take possession of Dorchester Heights, and 
requested them to order the militia of the towns contiguous to Dor- 
chester and Roxbury " to repair to the lines at these places, with their 
arms, ammunition, and accoutrements, instantly upon a signal being 
given." The Council promptly complied. 

He also wrote to Congress the same day, " I should think if any- 
thing will induce them to hazard an engagement, it will be our attempt- 
ing to fortify these Heights, as, on that event taking place, we shall be 
able to command a great part of the town, and almost the whole harbor, 
and to make them rather disagreeable than otherwise, provided we can 
get a sufficient supply of what we greatly want." 

At the opening of March there was everywhere in the American 
camp, indications of an approaching conflict. Chandeliers, fascines and 
gabions, screwed hay in large quantities, were collected for intrenching 
purposes; two thousand bandages were prepared to dress broken limbs; 
forty-five batteaux, each capable of carrying eight men and two floating 
batteries, were grouped in the Charles River. The militia from the 



HISTOKN' OF SOUTH liOSTON. 77 

neighboring towns, applied for by Washington, February 26, poured 
into camp with patriotic alacrity. 

Strictly were the plans of Washington kept secret. To divert the 
attention of the enemy a severe cannonade and bombardment on the 
night of the second of March, was commenced against Boston, from the 
strengthened Cobble Hill, Lechmere's Point and Lamb's Dam. It 
shattered many houses and one shot wounded six men in a regimental 
guardhouse. The British returned the fire w^ith spirit, and threw a 
13-inch shell as far as Prospect Hill, but did no material damage. The 
Americans, in firing, burst two 13-inch mortars and three lO-inch 
mortars. They had not been properly bedded. 

A similar cannonade was continued on the night of March 3. 
On the night of Monday, March 4, the attention of the British 
was again occupied by a severe cannonade. In return they fired shot 
and shell. 

WTiile the occupants of Boston were engaged in looking after 
their own safety, the American camp was a scene of great activity. 

About seven o'clock Gen. Thomas, with 2,000 men, marched to 
take possession of Dorchester Heights. A covering party of 800 led the 
way. The carts, with entrenching tools, followed. Then came 1,200 
troops under the immediate command of Gen. Thomas, and a train of 
300 carts loaded with fascines and hay brought up the rear. 

The exact route taken by Washington's army, on the way from 
Roxbury to Dorchester Heights, has never fully been described in 
history. Considering, however, that the start had necessarily to be 
made from a point near the town of Dorchester, rough roads and in 
fact fields and meadows had to be crossed until the " old road " or 
" Road to the Castle " was reached, and then it was easy to ascend the 
Heights. The old road was reached at a point on Boston Street, near 
the corner of P^llery Street. 

The least noise, the faintest indication of a light, would have been 
sufficient to rouse the British guards at Boston Neck, but a short dis- 
tance across that body of water now known as South Bay. The 
greatest precaution was observed. The screwed hay was strewn along the 
ground and also fastened around the wheels of the 300 carts which con- 
tained the chandeliers and fascines to be used in building the intrench- 
ments. These carts were under the special care of Mr. Goddard, of 
Brookline, and Mr James Boies, of Dorchester. A great number of 
these bundles of hay were ranged in a line along Dorchester Neck on 
the side next the enemy to protect the troops, while passing, from being 
raked by the fire of the enemy. Fortunately, although the moon, as 
Washington writes, was shining in its full lustre, the flash and roar of 
cannon from opposite directions, and the bursting of bombshells high 
in the air, so engaged and diverted the attention of the enemy, that the 
detachment reached its destination without being heard or perceived. 
The carts were obliged to make several trips during the night, and one 



78 



HISTORY OP^ SOUTH BOSTON. 



of the teamsters, Mr. Sumner, made five trips before daylight. A 
great quantity of material was necessary, and there was but little time 
in which to complete the work. 

Engineer Gridley, who had charge of similar work at Bunker Hill. 
was engineer at Dorchester Heights and assisted in the carrying out of 
the plans. Gen. Washington, according" to Washington Irving's book, 
was busily engaged in urging and encouraging the men in their labors. 

The occasion was one of intense interest and excitement. All the 
soldiers exerted themselves to the utmost, and, as if by magic, the 
fascines were set up with stakes, like basket work, and the interstices 
were filled with whatever material was procurable. The moon .shone 
brightly and lent her light to aid in the completion of a work which 
was to prove of the greatest advantage to Boston, and help to secure the 
salvation of America. 

The silence of the night was disturbed by the continual roar of 
cannon and the bursting of British shells, Vv^hich often exploded high in 
the air and scattered their fragments in every direction. 

No one was illowed to speak above a whisper. All the work and 
strength that was in the soldiers was expected of them, at that time, 
and they obeyed magnificently. Each did his part, there was no 
grumbling and all were fully aware of the importance of the undertak- 
ing in which they were engaged. 

The eye of the commander-in-chief was upon them. Though not 
called there by his duties. Gen. Washington could not absent himself 
from this eventful operation. 

Hon. Edward Everett, of Dorchester, in an oration delivered there 
July 4, icS5 5, beautifully describes the probable .surroundings of Gen. 
Washington : 

" All around him intense movement, while nothing w as to be heard 
excepting the tread of busy feet, and the dull sound of the mattock upon 
the frozen soil. Beneath him the slumbering batteries of the Castle ; the 
roadsteads and harbor filled with the vessels of the royal fleet, motionless, 
except as they swung round at their moorings at the turn of the midnight 
tide ; the beleaguered city occupied with a powerful army, and a considerable 
non-combatant population, startled into unnatural vigilence by the incessant 
and destructive cannonade, yet unobservant of the great operations in pro- 
gress so near them ; the surrounding country, dotted with a hundred rural 
settlements, roused from the deep sleep of a New England village, by the 
unwonted glare and tumult." 

About four o'clock in the morning a relief party was sent to 
further the work commenced by those who had preceded them. 
Rapidly the fascines were set up and every crevice filled. 

As the sun rose above the horizon it revealed to the British the 
two forts erected on the Heights, which had been considered by the 
British General, as well as by Gen. Washington, the most advantageous 
point to occupy. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 79 

With astonishment depicted in his every feature, Gen. Howe <;-azed 
upon the work of the night before, and said " I know not what I sliall 
do. The rebels have done more in one night than my whole army 
could have done in one month." 

" It must have been the work of 12,000 men," he wrote to Lord 
Dartmouth. 

An American who was on Dorchester Heights, gives a picture of 
the scene when the earthworks were discovered by the enemy : 

" A tremendous cannonade was commenced from the forts in Boston, 
and the shipping in the harbor," he wrote. " Cannon shot are continually 
rolling and rebounding over the hill, and it is astonishing to observe how 
little our soldiers are terrified by them. The royal troops are perceived to 
be in motion, as if embarking to pass the harbor and land on Dorchester 
shore, to attack our works. "The hills and elevations in this vicinity are 
covered with spectators, to witness deeds of horror in the expected conflict. 
His Excellency, General Washington, is present, animating and encouraging 
the soldiers, and they in turn manifest their joy, and express a warm 
desire for the approach of the enemy ; each man knows his own place. 
Out breastworks are strengthened, and among the means of defence are a 
great number of barrels, filled with stones and sand, and arranged in front 
of our works, which are to be put in motion and made to roll down the hill, 
to break the legs of the assailants as they advance." 

Gen. Thomas was reinforced with 2,000 men. Old Putnam and 
Gen. Sullivan stood ready to make a descent upon the north side of the 
town, with 4,000 picked men, as soon as the Heights on the south 
should be assailed. "All the forenoon," wrote the American before 
mentioned, " we were in momentary expectation of witnessing an awful 
scene ; nothing less than the carnage of Breed's Hill battle was 
expected." 

As Washington rode about the Heights he reminded the troops 
that it was the 5th. of March, the anniversary of the Boston massacre, 
and called on them to avenge the slaughter of their brethren. They 
answered him with shouts. 

It was evident to the British soldiers in Boston, and those on the 
fleet in the harbor, that the one night's work of the American soldiers 
had brought the British at once into their power. 

Admiral Shuldham immediately decided that unless those who 
occupied the Heights were dislodged, the vessels in the harbor could 
not ride in safety, and it was also evident that tlie troops in Boston 
were in a dangerous position. 

Gen. Heath, one of Washington's officers, kept a diary of the inci- 
dents of the siege of Boston. The following is quoted therefrom : 

"March i, 2 and 3, — A number of mortars removed to Roxbury. 
Screwed hav brought from Chelsea and Dorchester and great preparations 
making. Heavy cannonade. Col. David Mason, chief engineer at Lamb's 
Dam, injured by the bursting of a lo-inch mortar. 



So HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

" March 4, — x^t one o'clock I was in Roxbury. It seemed as if it 
had been raining for some time. The General had ordered over two regi- 
ments from Cambridge, and had called out five regiments of minute-men 
and as many more almost had came in as volunteers, well armed and ready 
to take part in the conflict. To the honor of the militia in the neighbor- 
hood it was said that they behaved nobly on this occasion, for when those 
who had teams were called on for their assistance, not the least excuse was 
made, but one and all, with one voice said, ' Yes, I am ready ; I will go 
with my team.' And many more came than could be made use of. A 
little before sunset we marched off from Roxbury, and for more than half a 
mile before we came to the Dorchester lines we overtook teams in great 
plenty, nor did we find any vacancy until we came to the lines. In some 
places they were so wedged in together we were obliged to leave the road 
to o-et forward. Reached the lines at seven o'clock, where we waited half 
an hour for orders, when the signal was given, and the cannonade began at 
Lamb's Fort, and was immediately answered by a very warm tire from the 
enemy's line. Our party, consisting of about 2,400 men with 300 teams, 
were crossing the marshes to the Neck, which, together with the fresh 
breeze at S. W. concealed us from the enemy until they could see our works 
at daylight. The division to which I was assigned, commanded by Col. 
Whitcomb, was ordered to the northerly hill, where in one hour's time we 
had a fort enclosed with fascines placed in chandeliers, and we immediately 
used as many men intrenching as could be justly used for that purpose. 
The larger party was assigned the high hill where they erected a larger 
fort, built up in the same manner as ours. There were also four smaller 
forts and batteries erected this night on other eminences on the Neck. 

"March 5, — Our party, under the immediate command of Gen. Put- 
nam, were relieved by a detachment of 3,000 men from Roxbury lines, 
without the notice of the enemy. Our regiment marched off in the rear of 
the latter, crossed the marsh a little before sunrise, and yet we escaped the 
shot of the enemy and came to our quarters, sun about an hour high, 
wearv and hungry. The excessive cannonade and bombardment last 
night did no other damage than mortally wound Lieut. Mayo of Learned's 
regiment. He lately belonged to Roxbury, and his father was with him 
when he died." 

Gen. Howe could not think for a moment of quietly yielding 
the possession of the town, whose inhabitants he considered to blame 
for the war. Relying upon the superior strength of his army he 
immediately decided to attack the intrenchments, however great the 
hazard, with all the force he could bring to bear upon them. 

Accordingly 2,400 men were ordered to embark in transports, 
and, under command of Earl Percy, proceed to Castle William. They 
had instructions to attack the works that night. 

All these preparations were observed from the American camp 
and it was a time of intense excitement with Washington and his army. 
It was expected by those on other surrounding heights that the scenes 
of Bunker Hill would again be enacted. 

During the afternoon of March 5, when Plarl Percy and his troops 



HISTORY OF SOUTH i;OSTON. Si 

expected to make the attack on Dorchester Heights, the wind blew 
furiously and it was impossible for the ships containing the troops to 
effect a landing. So great was the surf on the shore where they were 
to have landed, that they could not live in it. At least one vessel was 
wrecked on Apple Island. 

The attempt, therefore, became impracticable. The following day 
the wind was boisterous and the rain fell in torrents. 

During the delay the Americans were given excellent opportunity 
to strengthen their works. 

Gen. Howe, finally, was forced to abandon his })lan, and I^arl 
Percy was obliged to return to l^oston with his troops. 

It was a disappointment, also, to Gen. Washington. He had 
made his plans so carefully, and everything was working so well in 
accordance with his wishes, that it was a source of great regret to him 
that the proposed attack fell through. 

The plan of Washington, had the British attacked the heights, was 
for an assault upon the British lines from the Cambridge end. Four 
thousand chosen troops were under parade in Cambridge and arranged 
in two divisions, one under Gen. Sullivan and the other under Gen. 
Greene. 

On signals being given they were to embark on the boats near the 
mouth of the Charles River, and under cover of three floating batteries 
were to attack Boston. The first division was to land at the powder 
house and gain possession of Beacon Hill and Mount Horam and the 
second division was to land at Barton's Point, or a little south of it, 
and, after securing that post, join the other division, force the gates and 
works at the Neck, and let in the troops from Roxbury. 

Perplexed and disappointed beyond measure. Gen. Howe called 
, together his Council. To remain in Boston was to expose his troops to 
the gravest danger ; to withdraw from Boston would occasion a severe 
loss of property. He addressed his officers and it was so effective as 
to determine them to evacuate the town in order to save the army. Of 
course the decision was a mortifying one, and no one felt it more than 
the British General himself. 

The British in Boston were astounded at the turn affairs had 
taken. The Tories could not understand it. Many determined to 
take a long journey somewhere rather than to retm-n to England 
mortified. 

When it was determined to leave Boston the British soldiers fell 
to plundering the houses and stripped them of every valuable article. 
Gen. Howe issued orders against these outrages, and threatened with 
death anyone found engaged in them, but they continued and nearly 
every house and shop was entered and robbed of its most valuable 
contents. 

Great anxiety was felt for the safety of Boston. It had been 
determined by the Americans to destroy the town, if it should be 



82 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

necessary, in order to dislodge the enemy. But now the danger was 
from another source. Gen. Howe threatened, if his troops were 
assaulted while leaving the city, that he would burn the town. 

In order to prevent, if possible, such a calamity, certain communi- 
cations were attempted. Washington was anxious to save blood- 
shed, so far as it was in accordance with the cause of freedom, and 
Howe was equally desirous of preventing an engagement. Although 
there were no negotiations, there was a tacit understanding that the 
British were to leave the harbor unmolested. 

But even while the British were preparing to leave the town 
and it was evident that Gen. Howe had decided to evacuate. Gen. 
Washington, his mind set on making no blunder, and determined 
to bring matters to a crisis, went on with his preparations for any 
attack that might be made, or, if necessary, himself to make an 
attack. 

March 7 and March 9 Gen. Washington wrote to the President 
of the Continental Congress, John Hancock, concerning the events to 
date. 

Copies of all of Washington's letters were published in book form, 
about 1834, and the following are taken from that book : 

Cambridc.e, 7 March, 1776. 
Sir: 

On the 26th ultimo I had the honor of addressing you, and then men- 
tioned that we were making preparations for taking possession of 
Dorchester Heights. I now beg leave to inform you, that a council of 
general officers having determined a previous bombardment and cannon- 
ade expedient and proper, in order to harass the enemy and divert their 
attention from that quarter, on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights last, 
we carried them on from our posts at Cobble Hill, Lechmere's Point, and 
Lamb's Dam. Whether they did the enemy any considerable and what in- 
jury, I have not yet heard, but have the pleasure to acquaint you, that 
they greatly facilitated our schemes, and would have been attended with 
success, equal to our most sanguine expectations, had it not been for 
the unlucky bursting of two thirteen and three ten-inch mortars, among 
which was the brass one taken in the ordnance brig. To what cause to 
attribute this misfortune, I know not ; whether to any defect in them, or to 
the inexperience of the bombardiers. 

But to return ; on Monday evening, as soon as our firing commenced, 
a considerable detachment of our men, under the command of Brigadier- 
General Thomas, crossed the neck, and took possession of the two hills, 
without the least interruption or annoyance from the enemy ; and by their 
great activity and industry, before the morning, adv'anced the work so far 
as to be secure against their shot. They are now going on with such ex- 
pedition, that in a little time I hope they will be complete, and enable our 
troops stationed there to make a vigorous and obstinate stand. During 
the whole cannonade, which was incessant the two last nights, we were 
fortunate enough to lose but two men ; one, a lieutenant, by a cannon-ball 



HLSTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 83 

taking off his thigh ; the other, a private, by the explosion of a shell, which 
also slightly wounded four or five more. 

Our taking possession of Dorchester Heights is only preparatory to 
taking post on Nook's Hill, and the points opposite to the south end of 
Boston. It was absolutely necessary, that they should be previously forti- 
fied, in order to cover and command them. As soon as the works on the 
former are finished, measures will be immediately adopted for securing the 
latter, and making them as strong and defensible as we can. 'I'heir con- 
tiguity to the enemy will make them of much importance and of great 
service to us. As mortars are essential, and indispensably necessary for 
carrying on our operations, and for the prosecution of our plans, I have 
applied to two furnaces to have some thirteen-inch ones cast with all 
expedition imaginable, and am encouraged to hope, from the accounts I 
have had, that they will be able to do it. When they are done, and a 
proper supply of powder obtained, 1 flatter myself, from the posts we have 
just taken and are about to take, that it will be in our power to force the 
ministerial troops to an attack, or to dispose of them in some way, that 
will be of advantage to us. I think from these posts they will be so galled 
and annoyed, that they must either give us battle or quit their present 
possessions. I am resolved that nothing on my part shall be wanting to 
effect the one or the other. 

It having been the general opinion, that the enemy would attemj^t to 
dislodge our people from the Heights, and force their works as soon as 
they were discovered, which probably might have brought on a general 
engagement, it was thought advisable, that the honorable Council should 
be applied to, to order in the militia from the neighboring and adjacent 
towns. I wrote to them on the subject, which they most readily complied 
with ; and, in justice to the militia, I cannot but inform you, that they 
came in at the appointed time, and manifested the greatest alertness and 
determined resolution to act like men engaged in the cause of freedom. 

When the enemy first discovered our works in the morning, they 
seemed to be in great confusion, and, from their movements, to intend an 
attack. It is much to be wished, that it had been made. The event, I 
think, must have been fortunate, and nothing less than success and 
victory on our side, as our officers and men appeared impatient for the 
appeal, and to possess the most animated sentiments and determined reso- 
lution. On Tuesday evening a considerable number of their troops 
embarked on board of their transports, and fell down to the Oastle, where 
part of them landed before dark. One or two of the vessels got aground, 
and were fired at by our people with a field-piece, but without any damage. 
What was the design of this embarkation and landing, I have not been 
able to learn. It would seem as if they meant an attack ; for it is most 
probable, that, if they make one on our works at Dorchester at this time, 
they wall first go to the Castle, and come from thence. If such was their 
design a violent storm that night, which lasted till eight o'clock the next 
day, rendered the execution of it impracticable. It carried one or two of 
their vessels ashore, which they have since got off. 

In case the ministerial troojjs had made an attempt to dislodge our 
men from Dorchester Heights, and the number detached upon the occasion 
had been so great as to have afi'orded a probability of a successful attack 



84 HISTURV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

being made upon Boston ; on a signal being given from Roxbury for that 
purpose, agreeably to a settled and concerted plan, four thousand chosen 
men, who were held in readiness, were to have embarked at the mouth of 
Cambridge River, in two divisions, the tirst under command of Brigadier- 
General Sullivan, the second under Brigadier-General Greene ; the whole to 
have been commanded by Major-General Putnam. The first division was 
to land at the powder-house, and gain possession of Beacon Hill and 
Mount Horam ; the second at Barton's Point, or a little south of it, and, 
after securing that post, to join the other division, and force the enemy's 
gates and works at the neck, for letting in the Roxbury troops. Three 
floating batteries were to have preceded, and gone in front of the other 
boats, and kept up a heavy fire on that part of the town where our men 
were to land. 

How far our views would have succeeded, had an opportunity offered 
for attempting the execution, it is impossible for me to say. Nothing less 
than experiment could determine with precision. The plan was thought to 
be well digested ; and, as far as I could learn from the cheerfulness and 
alacrity, which distinguished the officers and men, who were to engage in 
the enterprise, I had reason to hope for a favorable and happy issue. The 
militia, who were ordered in from the adjacent towns, brought with them 
three days' provisions. They were only called upon to act under the idea 
of an attack being immediately made, and were all discharged this 
afternoon. 

March 9th. — The account given by Gapt. Irvine, as to the embarka- 
tion, and their being about to leave town, I believe true. There are other 
circumstances corroborating ; and it seems fully confirmed by a paper 
signed by four of the selectmen of the town (a copy of which I have the 
honor to enclose to you), which was brought out yesterday evening by a 
flag, and delivered to Gol. Learned, by Major Bassett, of the tenth regi- 
ment, who desired it might be delivered to me as soon as possible. I 
advised with such of the general officers upon the occasion as I could 
immediately assemble ; and we determined it right (as it was not addressed 
to me, nor to anyone else, nor authenticated by the signature of Gen. 
Howe, or any other act obliging him to a performance of the promise men- 
tioned on his part), that I should give it no answer; at the same time, 
that a letter should be returned, as going from Col. Learned, signifying his 
having laid it before me ; with the reasons assigned for not answering it. 
A copy of this is sent. 

Tonight 1 shall have a battery thrown up on Nook's Hill, Dorchester 
Point, with a design of acting as circumstances may require ; it being 
judged advisible to prosecute our plans of fortifications, as we intended 
before this information from the selectmen came. It being agreed on all 
hands, that there is no possibility of stopping them in case they determine 
to go, I shall order look-outs to be kept upon all the headlands, to discover 
their movements and course, and, moreover, direct Commodore Manley and 
his little squadron to dog them, as well for the same purpose, as for pick- 
ing up any of their vessels, that may chance to depart from their convoy. 
From their loading with such precipitancy, it is presumable they will not 
be in the best condition for sea. 

If the ministerial troops evacuate the town and leave it standing, I 



HISTORY OK SOUTH I'.OSTOX. 85 

have thoughts of taking measures for fortifying the entrance into the har- 
bor, if it shall be thought proper, and the situation of affairs will admit of 
it. Notwithstanding the report from Boston, that Halifax is the place of 
their destination, I have no doubt but that they are going to the south- 
ward, and, I apprehend to New York. Many reasons lead to this opinion. 
It is in some measure corroborated by their sending an express ship there, 
which, on Wednesday week, got on shore and bilged at Cape Cod. The 
despatches, if written, were destroyed when she was boarded. She had a 
parcel of coal, and about four thousand cannon-shot, six carriage-guns, a 
swivel or two, and three barrels of powder. 

1 shall hold the riflemen and other parts of our troops in readiness to 
march at a moment's warning, and govern our movements by the events 
that happen, or such orders as I may receive from Congress, which I beg 
may be ample, and forwarded with all possible expedition. I have the 
honor to be, etc. 

The following is a copy of a letter written to his wife by Gen. 
Thomas, while }'et on Dorchester Heights, and dated Marcli 9, 1776: 

Dear Mrs. 'I'homas: 

We have for some time been preparing to take possession of Dorches- 
ter Point. On Monday, about 7 o'clock, I marched with about three 
thousand picked men, besides three hundred and sixty ox teams and some 
pieces of artillery. l\\o companies of the train of teams were laden with 
materials for our works. About 8 o'clock we ascended the high hills, and 
by daylight got two hills defensible. 

About sunrise the enemy and others in Boston appeared numerous on 
the tops of the houses and wharves, viewing us with astonishment, for our 
appearance was unexpected to them. 

The cannonading which had been kept up all night from our lines at 
Lamb's Dam, and from the enemy's lines likewise, at Lechmere Point, now 
ceased from these quarters, and the enemy turned their hre toward us on 
the hills, and they soon found it was to little effect. 

About 10 o'clock we discovered large bodies of troops embarking in 
boats with their artillery, which made a formidable appearance. After 
some time they were put on board transports, and several of the ships came 
down near the' Castle, as we supposed, with a design to land on our shore. 
Our people appeared in spirits to receive them. We were now in good 
posture of defence, and had two thousand men added to our number. The 
enemy viewed us critically, and remained in that situation that night. 
The next day it stormed and the ships returned to town and landed their 
troops. On' Friday about 2 o'clock p.m. they sent a Hag of truce, with a 
paper, a copy of which I enclose. 

I have' had but very little sleep or rest this week, being closely 
employed night and day. But now I think we are well secured. I write 
in haste, thinking you may be anxious to hear, as there is much tiring this 
way. We lost but two men killed in all this affair. How things are in Boston, 
or w^hat loss they have sustained from our shot and shells, at present we 
are not informed ; but I am sensible we distressed them much, from appear- 
ance. I have wrote you enclosed by the same hand, and am in haste. 

Jxt). Thomas. 

Dorchester Hills, in a small hut, March 9, 1776. 



86 HLSTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

P. S. — Your son, John, is well and in high spirits. He ran away from Oak- 
ley privately ; on Tuesday morning got by the sentries and came to me on 
Dorchester Hills, where he has been most of the time since. 

The disobedient son, John, left on Monday evening at Roxbury, 
in charge of his colored servant, Oakley, was afterwards known as Col. 
Thomas of Kingston, Mass, and was then but ten years of age, and 
fearless by the side of George Washington and John Thomas did he 
stand in those days of danger. 

A battery was planted on Leek, or Bird Hill (corner of Second 
and Dorchester Streets) on March 9, and another was placed at the 
Point. The intention was to annoy the fleet as much as possible. 

Nook Hill, at the northern end of the peninsula, (near where is 
now the Lawrence school) owing to its proximity to the town of Boston, 
was an important position and Washington was determined to fortify 
it. He wished, thereby, to bring the British completely under his 
control. 

Accordingly, on the night of March 9, a detachment was sent to 
erect a battery upon it. The night was cold and blustering and the 
soldiers, by some strange thoughtlessness, built a fire. 

The light attracted the attention of the British and at once a 
severe cannonade was commenced, from the Green Store battery, near 
the corner of Washington and Dover Streets. Four soldiers and a 
regimental surgeon named Dole, were killed and the American troops 
were obliged to suspend operations and retreat. More than 800 shot 
were fired during the night. 

The evident desire of the Americans to fortify Nook Hill hastened 
Gen. Howe's preparations and he called on the inhabitants of Boston 
to deliver to him immediately all the linen and woolen goods, and 
ordered his horse transports taken down to Castle William. 

On the night of the 12th of March, the troops in Boston began to 
pillage stores and dwellings, and on the 14th, Gen. Howe ordered the 
streets barricaded and preparations were made for departure as soon as 
possible. 

On the night of March i6th, a strong detachment of Americans 
was again sent to Nook Hill to fortify it. The Briti.sh again discovered 
the work, and cannonaded it severely during the night, but they could 
not dislodge the Americans this time, and Gen. Howe resolved to 
evacuate the town without further dela}'. 

On the morning of March 17, a breastwork was discovered on 
Nook Hill, which, from its position, had complete control of Boston 
Neck and the south end of the town — a work which the king's troops 
fearfully dreaded, and which made it imperative for the British either 
to retreat or be totally destroyed. 

This was the culminating touch which Washington gave to his 
offensive measures, and it had the immediate and desired effect. 



HISTORN' OK SOUTH IIOSTOX. 87 

At four o'clock in the morning the British soldiers began to 
embark, and were all on board and under sail before ten o'clock. 

Before noon of March 17, the i 50 ships had left the harbor and 
were anchored off Nantasket Head, where they remained about ten 
days and were then forced to leave that position, as the Americans, 
fearing they were not there for any good, decreed that they had been 
there long enough, and sent a force down to drive them c^ff. 

No sooner had the British soldiers embarked on their ships than 
Gen. Ward, with 500 men, marched over the Neck, opened the gates 
of the town, and entered Boston, just as the last remnant of the British 
army, which had been a scourge to the metropolis of New England for 
eleven months, dropped down the harbor and sailed away for Halifax. 
Putnam had already taken command of the city, and occupied the 
important points. 

The total number of British soldiers, marines, refugees and 
others, that thus took their departure was 12,000. 

In an orderly book left behind by Gen. Howe, he gives his force 
as 7575, exclusive of the staff, and the sailors and marines made the 
number about 10,000. There were also about 2,000 civilians, includ- 
ing loyalists and other families, crown officers, old inhabitants and 
others. 

Washington wrote to the President of Congress, as follows : 

Headijuarters, Camkridoe, 19 March, 1776. 
Sir : 

It is with the greatest pleasure I inform you that on Sunday last, the 
17th. instant, about nine o'clock in the forenoon, the ministerial army 
evacuated the town of Boston, and that the forces of the United Colonies 
are now in actual possession thereof. I beg leave to congratulate you, Sir, 
and the honorable Congress, on this happy event, and particularly as it 
was effected without endangering the lives and property of the remaining 
unhappy inhabitants. 

I have great reason to imagine their flight was precipitated by the 
appearance of a work, which I had ordered to be thrown up last Saturday 
night on an eminence at Dorchester, which lies nearest to Boston Neck, 
called Nook's Hill. The town, although it has suffered greatly, is not in so 
bad a state as I expected to find it ; and I have a particular pleasure in 
being able to inform you. Sir, that your house has received no damage 
worth mentioning. Vour furniture is in tolerable order and the 
family pictures are all left entire and untouched. Capt. Cazneau takes 
charge of the whole, until he shall receive further orders from you. As 
soon as the ministerial troops had quitted the town, I ordered a thousand 
men (who had had the smallpox), under command of General Putnam, to 
take possession of the heights, which I shall endeavor to fortify in such a 
manner, as to prevent their return, should they attempt it. But, as they 
are still in the harbor, I thought it not prudent to march off with the main 
body of the army, until I should be fully satisfied they had quitted 
the coast. I have^ therefore, only detached fiVe regiments, besides the rifle 



cSS irisTOK\ OF SOUTH isoston. 

battalion, to New \'ork, and shall keep the remainder here till all suspicion 
of their return ceases. 

The situation in which I found their works evidently discovered that 
their retreat was made with the greatest precipitation. They have left 
their barracks and other works of wood at Bunker's Hill all standing, and 
have destroyed but a small part of their lines. They have also left a 
number of fine pieces of cannon, which they first spiked up, also a very 
large iron mortar ; and, as I am informed, they have thrown another over 
the end of your wharf. I have employed proper persons to drill the 
cannon, and doubt not I shall save the most of them. I am not yet able 
to procure an exact list of all the stores they have left. As soon as it can 
be done I shall take care to transmit it to you. From an estimate of what 
the quarter-master-general has already discovered, the amount will be 
twenty-five or thirty thousand pounds. Part of the powder mentioned in 
yours of the 6th inst. has already arrived. The remainder I have ordered 
to be stopped on the road, as we shall have no occasion for it here. The 
letter to Gen. Thomas, I immediately sent to him. He desired leave, for 
three or four, days, to settle some of his private aft'airs ; after which, he 
will set out for his command in Canada. I am happy that my conduct 
in intercepting Lord Drummond's letter is approved of by Congress. I 
have the honor to be, etc. 

To his friend, Joseph Reed, Washington also wrote, as follows : 

Camhridgk, 25 March, 1776. 
Mv Dear Sir: 

Since my last, things remain nearly /// statu quo. The enemy have 
the best knack of puzzling people I ever met with in my life. They have 
blown up, burnt, and demolished the Castle, and are now all in Nantasket 
Road. They have been there ever since Wednesday. What they are doing, 
the Lord knows. Various are the conjectures. The Bostonians think 
their stay absolutely necessary to fit them for sea, as the vessels, neither in 
themselves nor their lading, were in any degree fit for a voyage, having 
been loaded in great haste and much disorder. This opinion is corrobor- 
ated by a deserter from one of the transports, who says they have yards, 
booms, and bowsprits yet to fix. Others again think, that they have a 
mind to pass over the equinoctial gale before they put out, not being in the 
best condition to stand one ; others, that they are a reinforcement, which 
I believe has arrived, as I have had an account of the sailing of fifteen 
vessels from the West Indies. But my opinion of the matter, is, that they 
want to retrieve their disgrace before they go ofi^, and I think a favorable 
opportunity presents itself to them. They have now got their whole force 
into one collected body, and no posts to guard, ^^'e have detached six 
regiments to New York, and have many points to look to, and, on Monday 
next, ten regiments of militia, which were brought in to serve till the first of 
April, will be disengaged. From former experience, we have found it as prac- 
ticable to stop a torrent, as these people, when their time is up. If this 
should be the case now, what more favorable opening can the enemy wish 
for, to make a push upon our lines, nay, upon the back of our lines at Rox- 
bury, as they can land two miles from them and pass behind ? I am under 
more apprehension from them now than ever, and am taking every pre- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH liOSTON. 89 

caution I can to guard against the evil; but we have a kind of people to deal 
with, who will not fear danger till the bayonet is at their breast, and then 
they are susceptible enough of it. I am fortifying Fort Hill in Boston, 
and demolishing the lines on the Neck there, as they are a defence against 
the country only, and making such other dispositions, as appear necessary 
for a general defence. I can spare no more men till I see the enemy's 
back fairlv turned, then I shall hasten toward New York. 

Under date of March 27, 1776, Gen. Washington wrote to the 
President of Congress that he had received intelligence that the whole 
of the ministeriaf fleet, besides three or four ships, got under way the 
same evening (27th) at Nantasket Road and were standing out to sea, 
in consequence of which he would detach a brigade of six regiments 
for New York under command of I^rigadier-General Sullivan. 

As soon as Boston was e\acuated the greater part of the Ameri- 
can army was ordered to New York, as it was supposed that the 
Loyalists would attempt to gain that important point. 

Only one regiment was left on Dorchester Heights. These 
soldiers resided in a building at the foot of the forts, near G Street. 

Regarding the embarkation of the British troops from Boston, a 
British officer wrote thus to a friend : 

Nantasket Head, March 17,— According to my promise, I proceed to 
give a brief account of our retreat, which was made this morning between 
the hours of two and eight. Our troops did not receive the smallest 
molestation, though the rebels were all night at work on the near hill 
which I mentioned to you in my last letter, and we kept a constant tire 
upon them from a battery of twenty four-pounders. They did not return a 
single shot. It was lucky for the inhabitants now left in Boston that they 
did not : for I am informed that everything was prepared to set the town 
in a blaze, had they hred one cannon. The dragoons are under orders to 
sail tomorrow for Halifax,— a cursed cold, wintry place, even yet : nothing 
to eat, less to drink. Bad times, my dear friend ! The displeasure I feel 
from the very small share I have in our present insigniiicancy is so great, 
that I do not know the thing so desperate I would not undertake, in order 
to change our situation. 

Thus was the siege of Boston lifted through the magnificent 
scheming of Gen. Washington and the work of his officers and men. 
Never before in the history of any country had such delicate, strategic 
plans been made and successfully accompU.shed. It was the decisive 
blow to English tyranny, the unequivocal manifestation that the colo- 
nists intended to govern themselves. 

Is there an)- wonder that the people of South Boston are proud of 
their district J Is there a place of greater historical .significance .' 
Dorchester Heights and Nook Hill commanded the entire harbor, and the 
latter was, in addition, a menace to the British troops in Boston. They 
were the most important locations around Boston, and it was only by 
the conception of the master mind of Washington, who was determined 



go HLSTOKV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

to occupy the Heights, and the consummation of his plans by his patri- 
otic and sturdy soldiers, that the redoubts were erected in one night. 

Gen. Howe's conduct during the siege, continued for years to be 
criticised in Parliament, as well as out of it. Yet for one to carefully con- 
sider the matter, perhaps the criticism was not fair. It was not wholly 
that Gen. Howe had erred, but on the other hand, he met a foe that 
manifested to the British army what the calibre of the American 
soldier really was. The British were taught a lesson that American 
patriotism was of a character such as no other country possessed. 
The construction of the works on Dorchester Heights was only an 
illustration of the enthusiasm of the men of America. A writer, 
referring to the redoubts, said, "In history they are equalled only by 
the lines and forts raised by Julius Caesar to surround the army of 
Pompey." 

The English people were enraged at the failure of Gen. Howe and 
he was roundly denounced by the English press. An abstract from an 
article indicates the nature of these criticisms : 

Now, I beg leave to ask Sir William Howe, whether Boston was ten- 
able or not ? He had, indeed, staked his reputation as a general on the 
affirmative. If it was not, how could he, or his favorite engineer, overlook 
this Dorchester post ? Could they suppose that the rebels, who, before 
winter, had made regular approaches to the foot of the hill, would fail, as 
soon as the season opened, to occupy it ? Why were no precautions 
taken ? Or if Boston was tenable, as the General had pledged himself, 
and I confess I have not the least doubt of, why, in God's name, was it so 
shamefully abandoned ? 

On the 25th. of March, a week after the evacuation, Congress 
heard the good news and immediately, on motion of John Adams, a 
vote of thanks was passed to Gen. Washington and his army, "for their 
wise and spirited conduct." It was also ordered that a gold medal be 
struck off and presented to Gen. Washington. John Adams, John Jay 
and Stephen Hopkins were also appointed a committee to prepare a 
letter of thanks. This letter was reported to Congress and adopted 
April 2. It read as follows : 

Philadelphia, April 2, 1776. 

Sir: 

It gives me the most sensible pleasure to convey to you, by order of 
Congress, the only tribute which a free people will ever consent to pay, — 
the tribute of thanks and gratitude to their friends and benefactors. 

The disinterested and patriotic principles which led you to the held 
have also led you to glory ; and it affords no little consolation to your 
countrymen to reflect, that, as a peculiar greatness of mind induced you to 
decline any compensation for serving them, except the pleasure of promot- 
ing their happiness, they may, without your permission, bestow upon you 
the largest share of their affection and esteem. 



HISTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



91 



Those pages in the annals of America will record your title to a con- 
spicious place in the temple of fame, which shall inform posterity that, 
under your directions, an undisciplined band of husbandmen, in the course 
of a few months, became soldiers; and that the desolation meditated 
against the country by a brave army of veterans, commanded by the 
most experienced generals, but employed by bad men, in the worst of 
causes, was, by the fortitude of your troops, and the address of their 
officers, next to the kind interposition of Providence, confined for nearly a 
year within such narrow limits as scarcely to admit more room than was 
necessary for the encampments and fortifications they lately abandoned. 

Accept, therefore, sir, the thanks of the L'nited Colonies, unani- 
mously declared by their delegates to be due to you, and the brave ofificers 
and troops under your command; and be pleased to communicate to them 
this distinguished mark of the approbation of their country. 





WASHINGTON MEDAL. 
Presented by Special Act 0/ Congress. 

The Congress have ordered a gold medal, adapted to the occasion, 
to be struck, and, when finished, to be presented to you. 

I have the honor to be, with every sentiment of esteem, sir, your 
most humble and obedient servant, 

John Hancock, President. 
To His Excei.lencv, General Washingt(JN. 

The medal presented to Gen. Washington by this special act of 
Congress, was of heavy bronze and was struck off in Paris from a die 
cut by the famous Duvivier. On the obverse side was the head of 
Washington, in profile, an excellent likeness, and around it the inscription, 
" Georgio Washington Supremo Duci P2xercituum Adsertori Libertatis 
Comitia Americana." 

On the reverse side is a representation of General Washington and 
his oflficers on horseback on one of the hills of South Boston, with the 
town of Boston in the distance. The British fleet is represented as 
sailing out of the harbor and Gen. Washington is pointing to them as 



92 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



they quit Boston forever. O.ver this illustration is inscribed " Hostibus 
Primo Fugatis," and beneath it " Bostonium Recuperatum, XVII, 
Martii, MDCCLXXVI." 

This medal, after remaining in the possession of the Washington 
family for many }^ears, was purchased by se\'eral well-known Boston 
gentlemen, for $5,000. It is now carefully preserved in the Boston 
Public Library. The accompanying cut is from a photograph taken 
at the library. 

April 3, 1776, the major part of the troops having been despatched 
to New York, where it was thought an attack might be made by the 
British, Gen. Washington started for the same place. His journey was 
through Providence, Norwich, New London and Lyme, and he arrived at 
New York Saturday, April 13. Everywhere he met with splendid 
receptions. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Dorchester, 1775 to 1804. 

Evacuation of Boston a severe blow to (heat Britain — Population of Dorchester in 1776 
— The Heights on Dorchester Neck further fortified — Shays rebellion — Resi- 
dents return to Dorchester Neck — Company incorporated to dig canal to Roxbury 

Duel at City I'oint — Owners and valuations of lands at close of the iSth. 

century. 

THE evacuation of Boston, made imperative by the building 
of redoubts on Dorchester Heights, within our own South 
Boston, was the first terrible blow to Great Britain which 
encouraged the colonists to issue the immortal declaration of indepen- 
dence. 

At the beginning of the siege of Boston the general desire of the 
American people was for reforms and a restoration of the privileges 
which had been originally granted to the American colonies. 

When the siege of Boston ended a large majority of the patriots 
had decided that the only just and solid foundation for security and 
liberty was the creation of an Independent American Empire. 

From 1776 to 1804, when Dorchester Neck was annexed to 
Boston and named South Boston, there was little of interest among the 
happenings of either Dorchester or the Neck. 

Dorchester, including the Neck, March 13, 1776, had 291 
families, comprising 151 5 whites and 35 negroes and mulattoes, a total 
of 1550. Of these there were then but ten or twelve families in the 
eastern portion, Dorchester Neck. 

Immediately after the evacuation of Boston by the British troops- 
measures were taken to erect fortifications on the several hills at the 
Neck, and in less than two months they were ready for defence. The 
following items are sufficient to show the general character of these 
fortifications and also to indicate that but little attention was given to 
keeping them in repair. The reason for the neglect was two-fold — 
the scarcity of money, men and cannon, and the fact that the seat of 
war had been removed to a distance and there was less fear of an 
attack from the enemy. The following items are taken from the State 
Archives and from r\)rce's Archives, culled by Mr. Francis E. Blake : 

May 13, 1776. Col. Richard Gridley reported: "Dorchester Point Forts 
are now'in a posture of defence with platforms laid and cannon mounted 
on them." 

July 1776. Gen. Lincoln stated that "700 men had been assigned as 
absolutely necessary to complete the garrison there." 



94 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



August 6, 1776. Col. Dike was directed to order "certain Companies 
to Dorcliester Heights to be formed into Regiments." 

September 30, 1776. Gen. Ward complained of removal of cannon 
from Dorchester Heights. 

November 1776. Chief Engineer Gridley gives a record of lumber, 
spikes, etc., furnished for No. i Fort at Dorchester Point, No. 2 Fort Dor- 
chester Second Hill, No. 3 Fort at Dorchester Southernmost hill. 

Dec. 1776. William Dawes reported that there were "only 6 or 8 
men to take care of 3 forts "' at Dorchester Neck, and another report states 
"not a man at Dorchester Heights." "Some of the neighbors had 
returned." 

May 9, 1777. Gen. Heath in a letter to the Council refers to the 
necessity of strengthening the garrison "for the security of the Works or 
Stores on Dorchester Heights as the stores there belonging to the Conti- 
nent are Valuable," and a detachment of soldiers was ordered to be sent 
there. And in July following the General recommends that "a small cir- 
cular work be immediately thrown up on a Hill between the Fort on 
Dorchester Point and the Easternmost Hill without which the Fort at the 
Point will not be tenable." 

Jan. 31, 1777. Committee on fortifications reported " At Dorchester 
Point is a well finished Fort, of the Star-kind, with 13 embrasures ; a Guard- 
house within, & Barracks enough near at hand, on the outside. At Dor- 
chester Heights are two small Forts with 1 1 Embrasures in one of 'em & 9 
in the other : These want one or two Revelins. And at a Hill between the 
Heights and Point, there ought to be a redoubt eV'C. There are Barracks 
enough for all. A small Battery is already at Fox Hill, e\: another ought 
to be between that ^: the Fort at the Point." 

The Committee recommend, 

" For Dorchester Point, three 7,2, 36 and 42-pounders and ten 18- 
pounders, 150 men for action and 10 men at other times. 

" For Heights and Hill, tvv-enty-eight 6-pounders, six 2, 3 and 4- 
pounders, 300 men for action and 30 men at other times. 

" For the Battery, six 24 and 28-pounders with 100 men for action 
and ten men at other times. 

1777. (Somewhat later than the above). A committee report on 
state of fortifications at Dorchester Neck as follows: 

" I St. An old Breast work on a place called Fox Hill in which were 
two Embrasures and no cannon. The Committee were of Opinion that 
there ought to be three — this work much out of repair. 

" 2dly. A fort called No 3 on the Heights they found 6 pieces of 
Cannon. 'One cohorn not very fit for action. No ammunition but a few 
Continental soldiers. 

"3dly. A Fort No. 2. 5 Cannon from 9 to 11 pr \: no stores. At 
the East ^End a small Breast work which would annoy the Enemy in 
approaching. The Committee were of opinion that a Breast work opposite 
this Fort on the Main Land might be of service to prevent the enemy from 
Landing near the Town of Dorchester. 

"4thly. The Committee viewed a place on a small Hill laid out for a 
Fort in a Circular Form 60 Feet Diameter which might be of some small 
advantage if we were able to complete tV' man it. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH B(JSTON. 95 

"5thly. The Committee went to the Fort at Dorchester Point & were 
informed that there were in it 8 Cannon — but judged it improper to enter 
it as the Centinal informed them he had Orders to prevent any Person to 
enter &: the Committee were not furnished with a propei Pass." 

Oct. 13, 1780. Capt. Lemuel Clap was then commanding at Dor- 
chester Heights, and was ordered to reduce the detachment to i sergeant 
and 9 matrosses. F.phraim Mann, John Wiswell and Joseph Withiugton 
appear serving at this time. All of these men were residents there at this 
time or subsequently. 

Thtis it will be seen that some little attention was given to the 
fortifications at 13<)rchester Neck for a few years after the evacuation 
of Boston. 

At the close of the war the United States was in a bad condition 
for money and could not pay its debts. An effort was made in Massa- 
chusetts to raise some mone}' by direct taxation and this occasioned a 
conflict which was known as Shays rebellion. 

Capt. Shays, who had been a captain in the Continental army, 
marched at the head of a thousand men and took possession of 
Worcester and prevented a session of the Supreme Court. He did the 
same in Springiield, and so serious did matters become that Gov. James 
Bowdoin called out several thousand of the militia under Gen. Lincoln 
to suppress it. This was speedily done. 

Dorchester soldiers, although thinking that their dut)- in the ser- 
vice was ended, took an active part in quelling this rebellion. In the 
company of artillery, commanded by Capt. Thomas Williams, under the 
command of John J. Si)ooner, Ksq., there w^ere nearly fifty Dorchester 
soldiers and in Capt. James Robinson's company there were many 
others. 

After the war had ceased the owners of estates at Dorchester 
Neck, returned and rebuilt their homes destroyed in the raid of Feb- 
ruary, 1776. The lands were set out the same as when the Revolution 
started. A portion of the land at the Point was still reserved for pas- 
turage. 

Until 1796 the passage between Boston and South Boston, (now 
known as Fort Point channel and South Bay) was passable for shipping- 
craft only at high tide. F'ebruary 26, 1796, the Legislature Incorpo- 
rated John Lowell, F3sq., Increase Sumner, F2sq., Thomas Williams, 
John Reed, Esq. and Mr. Thomas Williams, Jr., as a company to dig 
and clear a canal to Roxbury. This was for many years known as the 
Roxbury canal and was of great advantage to the people of the town. 

Gradually the tide in this channel washed away the land until 
there was a wide waterway. 

City Point was, in 1801, the scene of a duel. Two men of the 
town of Boston had indulged in a dispute during which one challenged 
the other to fight a duel in order to settle the differences. The two 
men were Rand and Miller. 



96 IIISTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

One quiet Sunday morning in June, when many of the residents 
of Dorchester Neck had gone to church or were preparing to start, two 
men, with friends, walked over from Boston and through Dorchester 
Neck. They did not halt until they arrived at a place on the north 
shore, close to the batteries, at about where is now the Walworth man- 
ufacturing company. The men were in conversation for several 
minutes. Then, all arrangements completed, the ground was 
measured off, and the men took their places, each with a pistol in 
hand. 

Rand fired the first shot, and although Miller was very stout the 
shot went wide off the mark. Then came Miller's turn to shoot. He 
knew that he had it his own way, and, assured of this, he did not wish 
to take advantage. He offered to settle the matter in some other way, 
with Rand, but the latter, it is said, refused. Rand was loading his 
pistol and as he was about to shoot again, Miller fired. Rand fell and 
he was taken in an insensible condition, bleeding from a wound in the 
breast, into the house of Mr. Blake. Although everything possible was 
done to save his life, he died soon after being brought into the house. 

After firing the shot Miller fled to New York, where, it is 
said, he amassed an immense fortune and lived there until his death in 
1850. 

For many weeks after this tragedy there was much excitement 
among the residents of the Neck, and they regretted exceedingly such 
an occurrence, and particularly on a Sabbath morning. 

At the close of the i 8th century the house owners at the Neck 
and the \alue of their property was as follows : 



James Elake and Jr.t 




house 


^210. Land 




5 1922.00 


Abraham Gould 




house 


500. do 




2242.50 


E. Mann 




house 


250. do 




1075-25 


Jonathan Bird, 3rd 




house 


275. do 




1667.50 


Jonathan Bird 




house 


200. 






John W'iswell 




house 


550. do 




2334-50 


John Williams 




house 


250. do 




310-50 


John Farrington 




house 


Owned by J 


oh 


n Tileston 


Moses Marshall 




house 


350. Owned by 


H. 


Newman 


Aaron Spear 




house 


120. 






Francis Delucel 




house 


65. Land 




86.25 


John Deluce 




house 


65. do 




103.50 



t Thomas Leeds also lived in this house. 

t Mr. Deluce bought of James Withington, Jr., in 17S7. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
Prominent Men of the Eighteenth Century. 

Few families at Dorchester Neck — James Foster — The Wiswells, Oliver and luioch — 
Thomas, John and James Bird — Benjamin Bird — Jonathan Bird — John Hawes 
Bird — Mrs. Withington — Ebenezer Jones — James White — James lilake — Samuel 
Blake — Patience Blake. 

THE I 8th century marked but little progress in Dorchester Neck 
as a residential section. During these lOO years the number of 
families had increased only from three to ten. Dorchester, how- 
ever, advanced rapidly, and it was largely due to the opportunities 
offered at the Xeck for pasturing and planting. 

Dorchester had increased so rapidly in population, and as it had 
become more a section by itself, that it would be impossible to men- 
tion its citizens who achieved fame in one field or another. They 
continued earnestly to build up their district, they were proud of their 
work, and they prospered. 

Some mention should be made of the Dorchester Neck residents, 
who were the pioneers of a community that was destined to be second 
to none in the vicinity, or suburbs of Boston. The men were few in 
numbers, yet they built for themselves homes that were models of 
neatness and they lived in peace and contentment with each other. 

James P'oster, eldest son of Capt. Hopestill and Mary (Bates) 
Foster, lived in the old Foster house on Nook Lane until his death in 
1732. He had some of the characteristics of his father, and although 
not so prominent in public life, he served the town in many official 
capacities and was looked upon as one of the leading citizens of Dor- 
chester. The eldest son, James, received the homestead and the ad- 
joining lands, yet there is very little information concerning him in 
an}- records. He died January 8, 1763, respected by the entire com- 
munity. 

James Foster, the third of the name, inherited the estate from his 
father, and lived there for many years. He died in the old house, June 
4, 1 77 1. The Foster house was burned in the raid of P'ebruary 1776, 
but before 1788 another house was erected on the same site. 

This second house is recorded as being a two and a half story 
affair of good dimensions, with a front door of imposing appearance. 
There was a lane from the road to the house and there were many 
large and handsome trees about the premises. A large portion of 
the Foster estate passed into the hands of Abraham Gould, who married 



98 HISTURV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

a daughter of the third James Foster. Mr. Gould was well known in 
South Boston, shortly after its annexation. 

The Wiswells were prominent people. Oliver Wiswell li\ed in 
Dorchester, but owned lands at the Neck. It was he who gave to his 
son Oliver, in 1727, the westerly part of the dwelling house which was 
at the foot of the westernmost of the two hills, known as the "Twin 
Hills," and Enoch Wiswell came into possession of the eastern portion 
of the h(nise in 1732, with a large part of the orchard thereon. 

Oliver Wiswell died March 14, 1745, and ten years later, at the 
death of the widow, his property was distributed among the children, 
Thomas, Enoch, Ebenezer, Ichabod, John, Samuel, Oliver and Hannah. 
At the time of the annexation of South Boston to Boston, in i 804, the 
property was still further divided by sales to various individuals who 
bought for speculation. 

Thomas, John and James Bird purchased land at the Neck in 
1677. They had previously come into possession of other lands at the 
Neck so they owned all the hill and much surrounding territory, where 
now is the Perkins Institution for the Blind, between G and H Streets. 
It was called Middle Hill to distinguish it from the other more west- 
erly one now known as Dorchester Heights and the more easterly one 
where is now Independence Square. 

Thomas Bird afterwards became sole possessor of the lands, and 
on his death, Benjamin Bird, his son, was the owner. The latter 
married and had fifteen children, five of whom were born in Dorchester 
Neck and the others in Dorchester. 

Benjamin Bird died in 1757, and his son Jonathan, who was born 
on the Neck in 1735, inherited the estate. He married Ruth Robinson. 
He died at the early age of thirty-five, June 30, 1769. 

Mr. Bird left no will and his estate was not divided until 1783. 
The widow received twenty-eight acres, and the son, Jonathan, Jr., had 
twenty-one acres. 

The second Jonathan Bird was born March 30, 1761, and married 
a daughter of Joseph Woodward (the latter afterwards took a prominent 
part in urging the annexation of Dorchester Neck to Boston). Mr. 
Bird continued to reside on the old farm until his death, November 27, 
1809. John Hawes Bird, son of the second Jonathan Bird, came into 
possession of the property, and at the time of annexation it was still 
further divided. 

The Withington estate, as mentioned before, was situated on the 
southerly side of the road to the Castle, between the present I and .K 
Streets, and extended to the Old Harbor, on the south. 

Capt. Withington's widow married James White, and they lived in 
the Withington homestead until her death, November 19, 1722. 

Richard, eldest son of Capt. Withington, already possessor of two- 
thirds of the house and lands adjoining, on the death of his mother, took 
her share and resided in the house until his death in March, 1749. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 99 

After the house was burned by the British in 1776, a lot, embrac- 
ing;- twelve acres, was sold to Rev. John Hawes, who, early in the 19th 
century, erected a house thereon, which is still standing at the corner 
of East Fifth and K Streets, later known as Capen house. 

Ebenezer Jones lived in the house on his estate, East Third Street, 
near K Street. A portion of the estate was sold to his son, Ichabod. 
Both were quiet men, loved their home, and spent much of their time 
in improving" their surroundings. 

James Wliite lived near the Point, owned some property, and was 
the second husband of Mrs. Withington. He died November 11, 
1713- 

The Blakes were highly esteemed in the little community. 
William Blake, who shared the lands in the division of 1637, by his 
death in 1700, left t(^ to his son James, all the land at Dorchester Neck 
adjoining the house he had dwelt in. 

James Blake's attention was given principally to farming, although, 
occasionall}-, he served the town in public office. He was deacon 
twenty-three years, but refused further offices in the church. He died 
in 1732, at the age of eighty. He and Capt. Fester were warm 
friends, and it is noteworthy that there were only a few days between 
the death of each. 

The third of the name, James Blake, became possessor of the new 
dwelling house, barn and orchard. He sjK-nt much of his life in the 
public service and was held in high esteem, and was for many years 
town clerk. He died December 4, 1750. 

Samuel Blake, his son, succeeded to the estate, living, however, 
but a few years after the death of his father. The widow, Patience 
Blake, left with nine children, remained at the old homestead until 
driven away by the raid of the British. After the death of Samuel 
Blake the house passed into the hands of his brother, James, and the 
widow Patience was allowed to live there. This James Blake was the 
owner of the house when it was burned by the British in February, 
1776, but he built a new house before 1784, and he occupied it until 
his death in 1803, after which other members of the family, including 
Patience Blake, the widow, lived there and carried on the farm. 



CHAPTER XV. 
Annexation of South Boston to^Boston. 

Boston a hustling town after the Revolution — Dorchester Neck looked upon as an excellent 
residential section for the future — Joseph Woodward of Tewksbury largely respon- 
sible for the idea — Wealthy men of f.oston petition for the annexation — Boston 
consents, conditionally — (ireat excitement in Dorchester and Boston — Dorchester 
people strongly opposed to the annexation idea — Memorial of Dorchester in oppo- 
sition — Memorial of petitioners in favo"- — Money offers made for the withdrawal 
of opposition, without effect — Bill "for Annexation" passes the Legislature — The 
bill — Name changed to South P3oston — List of land proprietors at the time of annexa- 
tion. 

AFTER the revolution the town of Boston made rapid strides and 
became a busy and husthng place. The close proximity of Dor- 
chester Neck to Boston, the excellent opportunities for securing 
good residential locations, and the many other advantages the section 
possessed, induced many influential and wealthy residents of Boston, in 
1803, to plan for the setting apart from Dorchester of that part known 
as Dorchester Neck, and annexing the territory to Boston. These men 
were William Tudor, Gardner Greene, Jonathan Mason and Harrison 
Gray Otis. 

Joseph Woodward, a native of Tewksbury, a very shrewd man and 
one who had the faculty of foreseeing the future of Massachusetts, 
strongly urged the projectors of the idea to go ahead. He pointed out 
that Boston was certain to be one of the leading commercial centres of 
the country and that in a short time the town of Boston would not be 
sufficient to accomodate the people. 

The first step taken was the purchase, by Messrs Tudor, Gieene,. 
Mason, Otis and others, of a large number of acres of land on the Neck. 
Then, in 1 804, a petition was presented to the town of Boston, by these- 
men, as well as other proprietors of land at the Neck, asking for the 
consent of the town for the annexation of Dorchester Neck. 

At a town meeting a committee was appointed to consider the 
matter, and the committee finally reported, naming several conditions, 
and the freeholders of Boston were called together to consider the- 
matter. 

January 17, 1 S04, after a lengthy debate on the subject, the 
meeting finally voted " Hiat the town will consent that the lands on 
Dorchester Neck, agreeably to the petition of the owners, shall be 
annexed to and incorporated with the town of Boston, provided it can 
be done on such conditions as the town shall hereafter agree to." 

In both Dorchester and Boston there was great excitement. In 



HISTORY OF SOUTH lUJSTON. lOI 

Boston but little business could be transacted, and January 30, 1804, 
when another meeting" was held, there were many heated debates and 
bitter arguments which created the greatest excitement known for 
many years. This meeting was adjourned to the following day owing 
teethe intense excitement prevailing. 

Reconvening January 31, it was finally voted, after a prolonged 
debate, that, if the Neck were annexed — 

"The proprietors of the land to be annexed shall consent that the 
selectmen of the town of Boston shall immediately lay out such streets, 
public squares and market places as they shall judge necessary for the 
public accommodation, without any compensation for the land so 
appropriated." 

This was satisfactory to a majority of Boston's freeholders. 

The residents of Dorchester were much opposed to the proposed 
annexation, and at a meeting, January 23, 1804, at which Moses 
Everett, Esq., presided, it was voted : 

" That the town have no objection to a bridge being erected from 
Dorchester to Boston, but we object and remonstrate against Dor- 
chester Neck being set off and annexed to the town of Boston. 

" Voted, to choose a committee to remonstrate to the General 
Court against Dorchester Neck being set off and annexed to the town 
of Boston. 

" Voted, that said committee consist of nine persons, Ebenezer 
Wales, Esq., Stephen Bedlam, Esq., John Howe, Esq., Mr. Samuel 
Withington, Maj. James Robinson, Ebenezer Holman, Mr. Eemuel 
Crane, Mr. Thomas Mosely and Edward E. Baxter. 

" Voted, that the above committee be requested to attend to all 
matters and things for the interest of the town of Dorchester, as it 
relates to the petition of William Tudor, Esq., and others, praying that 
the lands on Dorchester Neck may be annexed to and incorporated 
with the town of Boston." 

This committee immediately made preparations to oppose the 
bill, and drew up the following remonstrance, which was presented to 
the General Court : 

Memorial of thk Committee of the Town of Dorchester 
Against Annexation. 

To the Hotiorahle Senate and House of Representatii'es of the Cominonivealth 
of Massachusetts, in Genera/ Court assenib/eit : 

The memorial of the subscribers humbly showeth, that the Inhabi- 
tants of Dorchester in Town Meeting, being legally assembled on the 23rd 
of January, in the year of our Lord, 1804, Pursuant to an Order of Notice 
to consider of the petition of \\'illiam Tudor, Esq., Praying the Peninsula 
called Dorchester Neck may be set off and incorporated with the town of 
Boston, 



I02 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Voted, to Remonstrate against granting the prayer of said petition, 
and chose the subscribers a committee for that purpose. 

They therefore beg leave to state, notwithstanding the representation 
of said petition, respecting the quantity of Land in Said Peninsula, the 
time in which it was incorporated with the Town, the relative situation 
thereof with respect to the Town of Boston lV'c, are just, yet, severing the 
same from its ancient connection, connected and strengthened by mutual 
and long timed friendship, must cause feuds and animosities naturally 
tending to weaken the bands of society and to discourage the spirit of 
industry and enterprise of which the inhabitants of Dorchester are not 
wholly destitute. 

And they further state, that since the incorporation of the To\>:n of 
Dorchester, the Town of Milton, all that was originally Stoughton and 
parts of other Towns, have at different periods been set off from the tirst 
Mentioned Town, and though the remainder is nearly ten miles in length, it 
contains little more than 7000 acres of Land, the southwesterly part is well 
known to be extremely rough, barren and of little value, and the only 
improvements which can now be made to advantage, are on that part which 
lies in the northeastern portion of the town. Should Said Neck, which may 
more properly be called the Head of Dorchester, containing nearly 600 
acres of land, first in Quality, inviting the citizens of all Countries to its 
extensive shores, be annexed to Boston, already the successful rival of every 
town in the Commonwealth, the remaining part of the inhabitants of Dor- 
chester must lose their balance in the scale of government, and for want 
of proper objects to draw the spirit of enterprise and industry into action, 
and means to regain their former station, must remain in the background 
of their fellow citizens, with a large number of poor to support, many roads 
to maintain and new ones to make, and no diminution of their town 
charges. 

And though the prosperity and magniffcence of the town of Boston 
will ever be viewed wath pleasure, and its commerce and manufactories be 
aided and cherished with avidity by the inhabitants of Dorchester, yet 
they conceive part of the advantages resulting from the contemplated 
bridge justly belongs to them, and should the same be enacted agreeably to 
the request of William Tudor, Esq., and Gardner Greene, or otherwise, all 
the advantages contemplated in the petition would rush into existence 
under the patronage of the town of Dorchester. 

And, as the inhabitants of Boston are unwilling to receive that 
without compensation, which the inhabitants of Dorchester hold in the 
highest estimation, and will relinquish only with the greatest reluctance 
and deepest regret, 

The subscribers, therefore," in behalf of the town of Dorchester, humbly 
pray the Honorable Court to take the subject into their wise consideration, 
and not to grant the prayer of said petition, but if the Honorable Court 
shall otherwise determine, that it may be done under such regulations and 
restrictions as shall give to the town of Dorchester a just proportion of the 
advantages. 

( Signed ) Ebenezer Wales, Stephen Badlam, Samuel Withington, James 
Robinson, Jr., Ebenezer Tolman, Lemuel Crane, Thomas Mosely, Edward 
W. Baxter. Dated at Dorchester, January 25, 1804. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. IO3 

A memorial was presented to the selectmen of Boston b)- those in 
favor of the movement. It read as follows : 

Memoriai, of thk Pktitioxkrs in Favor of Annexation. 
To the Si'/i'ctf/u'/i of the 1'o7l'ii of Boston : 

(lEXTLEMEX, Whoever has attentively considered the geograph\ and 
territorial extent of the town of Boston, which, within its utmost limits em- 
braces but eleven hundred acres, must be convinced that the present bound- 
aries are too scanty to admit the erection of a large copital, subject to the 
same municipal jurisdiction, and from its present flourishing condition, th at 
the period has arrived, when sound policy points to the expediency of 
making provisions for surmounting this disadvantage. 

The adjacent towns of Roxbury, Cambridge and C'harlestown cannot 
be supposed to consent to surrender the most valuable portion of either of 
their respective townships, and the seats of their busiest population, to 
effect this purpose, great as it assuredly is in a national view. But on the 
southerly quarter of the town, and most advantageously extending upward 
of two miles along the port, lies a tract of land almost uninhabited, and 
comparatively useless, comprising 560 acres, which, if united to Boston, 
would give that town a superiority which no other capital. New York ex- 
cepted, can boast of. This peninsula, bounded by the harbor, which it so 
much contributes to adorn, exhibits such a variety of ground, and excel- 
lence of location, as to fully answer the purposes contemplated. 

The flats, which at present separate it from the southerly side of the 
town, admit of their being easily bridged, and the communication might 
in a few months be completed at an expense insignificant when contrasted 
with the important benefits necessarily resulting from that project. And 
when to this statement is added, that the three avenues leading into Boston 
have become such crowded streets as to be extremely inconvenient, and 
oftentimes hazardous, from the numerous carriages of every description 
that hourly frequent them, it will be admitted that the opening of a new 
passage through the least busy part of the towai, and thereby creating an 
easy, pleasant and short intercourse with the country is an object worthy 
of the public attention, happily conducing to promote the health, by the 
exercise and relaxation of her numerous citizens. 

The totally unincumbered part of this isolated district of land lying 
at the distance of 884 yards, and on the side of its nearest approach only 
600 yards, admits of executing a plan, whenever it shall be thought eligible, 
of another section of Boston, in which regular and wide streets and sym- 
metry in the buildings, favored with air and aspect, might combine their 
effects in gradually raising a most desirable circle of suburbs. While the 
present town would always continue the great focus of business, this quar- 
ter of it could provide for the surplus of population, and furnish the 
inhabitants with suitable sites for houses and other buildings, at prices 
greatly beneath those in the town, which have at length become exorbitant, 
and consequently detrimental to an increase of new citizens, and dis- 
couraging to those arts upon which an infinite variety of trades are de- 
pendent. 



I04 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Impressed with these motives and with a view to reciprocate advan- 
tages, we pray you, gentlemen, to take the opinion of the inhabitants at 
large of the town of Boston, upon the subject of this memorial, and upon 
the merits of which we invite their candid discussion, and to assure them 
that we shall and do cheerfully consent to the annexation of all our lands 
lying upon the peninsula aforesaid, to the town of Boston, upon the single 
condition that the inhabitants will procure a bridge to be erected between 
Boston and Dorchester Neck, and as evidence of this, our consent, we 
herewith transmit to you a copy of our petition to the Legislature of the 
Commonwealth, to enable us to carry this, our purpose, into immediate 
and complete effect. 

We are, with sentiments of great respect, gentlemen, your faithful, 
humble servants, dx. 

(Signed ) William Tudor, Gardner Greene and other proprietors of 
lands at Dorchester Neck. 

The committee of Dorchester citizens reported at the town meet- 
ing held February i6, 1804, that the remonstrance had been sent to 
the Legislature, but notwithstanding this, the joint committees of the 
Legislature had reported favorably on the petition for annexation. At 
this town meeting the statement was made that $6,000 might be ob- 
tained if the town would cease its opposition to the petition. 

John Howes, an influential citizen of the town, discountenanced 
any such agreement being made, and as a result the meeting voted not 
to accept the $6,000, and the selectmen of the town were empowered to 
act for the town in opposition to the petition of William Tudor and 
others. 

The Dorchesterites fought hard at the State House against the 
petition, and William Tudor and his co-workers continued to show 
wherein great good would result, not only for Boston but for Dorches- 
ter Neck itself. 

The Dorchester citizens, refusing to accept §6,000, the projectors 
of annexation raised the amount to $20,000, but still the town would 
not withdraw their opposition. 

At the same time that the petition for annexation was before the 
General Court there were also bills for the consideration of that body 
to authorize the building of a bridge from Boston Neck, (Dover and 
Washington streets) across the South Bay to Dorchester Neck, and 
also a bill to provide for the construction of a street from Rainsford's 
Lane to the bridge. 

March 6, 1804, after considerable debate, the Legislature passed 
the bill annexing Dorchester Neck to Boston. It read as follows : 

Bill Annexing Dorchester Neck: to Boston. 

Section i — Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 
tives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, that 
that part of Dorchester lying northeast of the following lines, beginning at 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. IO5 

a stake and stones at Old Harbor, so called, from the southwest corner of 
land formerly belonging to John C'hampney, running north 37,'/2 degrees 
west, to a large elm tree marked " 1) " on the southwest side and " B " on 
the northwest side, standing on land belonging to the estate of Thomas 
Bird deceased, then running on same course to a heap of stones on the 
southwest side of the road ; thence crossing the road, the same course and 
"B" on the other side upon land of Ebenezer Clapp, jr. ; thence on the 
same course until it comes to Boston Harbor, with the inhabitants thereon, 
be, and they hereby are annexed to the town of Boston in the county of 
Suffolk ; and shall hereafter be considered and deemed to be a part of Bos- 
ton : provided that the said tract of land, and the inhabitants thereon, set 
oft" as aforesaid, shall be holden to pay all such taxes as are already assessed 
by said town of Dorchester, in the same manner as they would have been 
if this act had not been passed. 

Section 2 — And be it further enacted, that the proprietors of said tract 
shall assign and set apart three lots of land on the same for public use, 
namely, one lot for a public market place, one lot for a schoolhouse and one 
lot for a burial ground, to the satisfaction and acceptance of the selectmen 
of Boston; or in case the said selectmen and proprietors shall not agree 
upon the said lots it shall be lawful for the Supreme Judicial Court, at any 
session thereof in said county of Suft'olk, upon application of said select- 
men, to nominate three disinterested freeholders within the Commonwealth 
and not inhabitants of said town of Boston, to assign and set off the three 
lots aforesaid by metes and bounds; and the report of the said freeholders, 
or any two of them, being made and returned to and accepted by the said 
court at any session thereof in said county, shall be tinal and binding upon 
the parties ; and the lots of land by them assigned and set off as aforesaid, 
shall henceforth rest in the said town of Boston forever, without any com- 
pensation to be made therefor by the town; but if the person or persons 
whose lands shall be assigned and set apart as aforesaid, shall demand 
compensation therefor, the same shall be apraised by three freeholders, to 
be appointed as aforesaid, who shall also assign upon the other proprietors 
the sum or sums which each shall be holden to pay to the person whose 
lands may be thus assigned for public use; and the report of said free- 
holders, or any two of them, being made and returned to, and accepted by 
said court, judgment therfeon shall be final, and execution awarded as in 
cases of reports by referees under the rule of Court. 

SEcrroN 3 — And be it further enacted, that the selectmen of said town 
shall be and are hereby authorized to lay out such streets and lanes through 
the said tract as in their judgment may be for the common benefit of said 
proprietors, and of said town of Boston, and reasonable attention being 
paid to the wishes of the proprietors ; and in case of disagreement between 
the selectmen and proprietors, or either of them, the same proceedings 
shall be had as are provided by law in other cases for laying out townways ; 
provided only, that no damages or compensation shall be allowed to any 
proprietors for such streets and lanes as may be laid out within twelve 
months of the passing of this act: and provided also that the town of 
Boston shall not be obliged to complete the streets laid out by the select- 
men pursuant to this act, sooner than they may deem it expedient to do. 



io6 



HISTOKV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



It was a long and bitter contest, and resulted in Dorchester not 
only losing a portion of its territory, but they were chagrined when they 
realized they had also lost $ 20,000 which had been offered them for 
a cessation of opposition. 

With the passage of the bill, March 6, 1804, the name of Dorches- 
ter Neck was changed to that of South Boston, and comprised every- 
thing east of what is now Dorchester and Ninth Streets. 

South Boston at the time of its annexation to Boston comprised 
about 560 acres of land. The number of inhabitants was about sixty 
and of poll tax payers there were nineteen. There were about thirty- 
one owners to the territory, only nineteen of whom lived in the 
district. 




SOUTH BOSTON LANDS AND OWNERS. 
(From a Drawing made shortly after Annexation.) 



The following is a 


list of 


proprietors 


with the 


amoun 


t of tax 




State, 


Town, 


AND COUNTV 


Tax in 


1804. 






Names 


No. 


Poll 


Va'lue 


Real 


Total 


Polls 


Tax 


Real Estate 


Estate Tax 


Tax 


Blake, James . 






$ 7,000 


$43 


68 


$43 68 


Bird, Jonathan 3d . 


I 


I 75 


15,400 


96 


10 


97 85 


Bird, Sam'l and Ezekiel 






2,700 


16 


85 


16 85 


Bird, Thomas. 






600 


3 


74 


3 74 


Bird, Jacob 


I 


I 75 








I 75 


Bird, Elijah . 


I 


I 75 








I 75 


Clap, Lemuel . 


I 


I 75 


3,700 


23 


09 


24 84 


Clap, Jason (Brick Yd) 






2,000 


12 


48 


12 48 


Clap, Mary (widow) 






2,700 


16 


85 


16 85 


Cobb, Samuel 






3^300 


20 


61 


20 61 


Champney, John 






2,200 


13 


73 


13 73 


Deluce, John 


I 


I 75 


800 


4 


99 


6 74 


Everett, Moses Esq. 






6,000 


37 


44 


37 44 


Farrington, John 2d 


I 


I 75 


7,Soo 


48 


67 


50 42 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



107 



Gore, Jeremiah 








500 


3 


12 


3 12 


Gray, John 








1,200 


7 


49 


7 49 


Gould, Abraham 


I 


I 


75 


27,000 


168 


48 


170 23 


Harrington, Rufus . 


I 


1 


75 


800 


4 


99 


6 74 


Harrington, James 








750 


4 


68 


4 68 


Harrington, Jas. (grdn. 








800 


4 


99 


4 99 


Hartshorn, Oliver . 








750 


4 


68 


4 68 


Higginson, Stephen L. 








4,800 


29 


95 


29 95 


Leeds, Thos. . 


I 


I 


75 


600 




74 


5 49 


Loring, Israel 


I 


I 


75 


800 


4 


99 


6 74 


Marshall, Moses 


I 


I 


75 


300 


I 


S7 


3 62 


Munroe, Thomas . 


I 


1 


75 








I 75 


Newman, Henry 


I 


I 


75 


10,600 


66 


14 


67 89 


Payson, Samuel 








1,300 


8 


1 1 


8 II 


Robbins, Edward . 








3,000 


18 


72 


18 72 


Spear, Lemuel 


I 


I 


75 


2,500 


15 


60 


17 35 


Spear, Aaron. 


I 


I 


75 


400 


2 


50 


4 25 


Temple, James 


I 


I 


75 








I 75 


Tudor, Wm. Esq. . 








1 2,600 


7S 


62 


78 62 


Tileston, Onisepherus 


I 


I 


75 








I 75 


Williams, David 


I 


I 


75 


500 


3 


1 2 


4 87 


Woodward, Joseph. 


I 
19 


I 


75 


15,800 


98 


59 


100 34 




$33 


25 


$139,200 


$868 


61 


$901 86 



Immediately after annexation, land values took a decided jump. 
Lots of land that could have been purchased in 1803 for $40 
an acre, sold in 1804 at S400 and S500 an acre and the sales were 
quick. 

Two of the land owners who lived in South Boston were never 
reconciled to the annexation, although one of them had a farm of fifty- 
two acres, which was thereby greatly increased in value. 



CHAPTER XVL 

Boston South Bridge — First to South Boston. 

Town reached only bv boat — Legislature petitioned for a bridge — Boston willing — Dis- 
pute as to whether it should be from south end or north end of the town — The act to 
incorporate the Proprietors of the Boston South Bridge— Street completed to connect 
with the bridge— Bridge opened for the first time with a great demonstration —Some 
residents still dissatisfied. 

THERP^ was no direct way to reach Bo.ston from South Boston, 
previous to the annexation, except by crossing in a boat. It had 

not been found necessary to erect any bridge, either temporary 
or permanent, as there were only ten famihes at the Neck and there 
was but httle travel. P'rom Dorchester to Boston the way was over 
Rock Hill to Boston Neck. 

To accomodate those who might wish to cross from the Neck 
to the city at the point where now is Dorchester Avenue, or Federal 
Street bridge, small boats plied across from the foot of Nook Hill to 
Windmill Point in Boston, and there was also boat service from 
Rainsford's Dane (now Dover Street) to the foot of Fourth Street. 

When William Tudor and others petitioned the Legislature for the 
annexation of Dorchester Neck to Boston, they also petitioned for a 
bridge to connect the two places, to provide a shorter route than by 
water. Their petition asked for a bridge from the foot of Rainsford's 
Lane to the foot of Fourth Street, to be known as the South Bridge. 

The town of Boston was asked by the petitioners to sanction the 
annexation proposition " upon the single condition that the inhabitants 
of Boston will procure a bridge to be erected between Boston and Dor- 
chester Neck." 

Then ensued a dispute which kept the citizens of Boston aroused 
for many months. They did not object to the annexation or the build- 
ing of the bridge, but they opposed the conditions upon which it should 
be annexed and the location of the proposed bridge. 

P^inally, January 31, 1804, annexation was agreed upon by the 
Bostonians with the provision "that the place from which and the terms 
on which the bridge should be built, shall be left entirely with the 
Legislature," and the Boston Representatives were authorized to favor 
the measure. 

Then it was proposed that the bridge be built from South Street 
in the town of Boston to the foot of Nook Hill or thereabouts. The 
joint committee of the Senate, February 14, 1804, on the petition of Mr. 
Tudor and others, reported " that the petitioners have leave to bring in 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



109 



a bill authorizing them to build a bridge from South Street in l^oston 
to Dorchester Neck, as set forth in the petition ; agreeable to such 
rules, regulations and conditions as shall be prescribed by the 
Legislature." 

But there was a great deal of opposition to the building of the 
bridge at that place. The people at the south end of Boston wanted it 
built from Orange Street (now Washington Street). This created still 
more excitement and discussion on all sides. 

The south enders organized for the purpose of agitating for the 
change of location, and proposed, if their wishes were granted and the 
bridge built from Rainsford's Lane (a point where now is the corner of 




BOSTON WITH WINDMILL POINT. (FROM DORCHESTER HEIGHTS.) 



Washington and Dover Streets), to construct a suitable street from 
Orange Street to the head of the proposed bridge. 

Accordingly a petition was presented to the General Court to in- 
corporate certain persons for the purpose of building such a street. 
The petition provided that "no libert}- be granted for the erection 
of any avenue to South Boston north of this bridge, unless at some 
future period the increased settlement of this part of the country should 
be such that the public exigencies should require the same. " 

This resulted in a compromise between the Dorchester Point pro- 
prietors and the south enders, and for a time the south bridge was 
given up. 



jIO HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

The joint sommittee of the Legislature reported favorably on the 
compromise, February 23, 1804, and the bill to mcorporate the south 
enders for the purpose of making the street was read for the first time, 
and Thursday, March i, it was passed to be engrossed. 

Tuesday, March 6, i 804, Governor Strong signed the three very 
important bills that marked the first step in the establishment of South 
Boston annexing Dorchester Neck to P)Oston, incorporating the pro- 
prietors of the Boston South Bridge, and incorporating the Front Street 
corporation. 

The bridge bill was as follows : 

Boston South Bridge. 

CHAPTKR XLVir. 

An Ac/ to Iiicorpoi-ate the Proprietors of the Soiit/i Boston Bridi^e. 

Whereas the erecting of a bridge over the iiats and channel of the 
southwesterly part of Boston, from the land belonging to the town of 
Boston, or some place contiguous thereto, to Dorchester Neck, would be of 
great public utility : And William Tudor, Gardner Greene and others, are 
desirious of an act of incorporation to empower them to build said bridge, 
and have subscribed a sum for the executing and completing the same : 

Section, i. Be it therefore enacted, by the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, 
that William Tudor, Gardner Greene, Jonathan Mason and Harrison Gray 
Gtis, Esquires, so long as they shall continue Proprietors as aforesaid, 
together with those who are, and shall become their associates, shall be a 
cot-poration and body politic, under the name of IMie Proprietors of the 
Boston South Bridge, and by that name shall sue and prosecute, and be 
sued and prosecuted to final "judgment and execution and do and suffer all 
other acts and things, which bodies politic may or ought to do and suffer ; 
that said corporation shall have full power and authority to make, have and 
use a common seal, and the same to break, alter and renew at pleasure. 
Section 2 referred to the organization of the Proprietors. 
Section 3. And be it therefore enacted, that for the purpose of reimburs- 
ing the said Proprietors of the said bridge, the money to be expended in 
building and support of the same, and, if indemifying them, a toll be, and 
is hereby granted and established for the benefit of said corporation, 
according to the rate following, viz : For each single horse cart, sled or 
sleigh six cents ; one person and horse four cents ; each wheelbarrow, hand- 
cart, and every other vehicle capable of carrying like weight, two cents ; 
each single horse and chaise, chair or sulkey twelve cents ; coaches, 
chariots, phaetons and curricles seventeen cents each ; all other wheel 
carriages, or sleds, drawn by more than one beast eight cents each ; any 
cattle or horse passing over this bridge, exclusive of this rate, or any carriages 
or teams, two cents each ; swine and sheep six cents for each dozen and at 
the same rate for a greater or less number ; in all cases the same toll shall 
be paid for all carriages passing said bridge, whether the same be loaded 
or not loaded ; and to each team one man and no more shall be allowed as 
a driver to pass free from payment of toll ; and at all times when the toll 
gatherer shall not attend to his duty, the gate or gates shall be left open ; 
and the said toll shall commence at' the day of the first opening of the said 



HISTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. Ill 

bridge for passengers, and shall continue for and during the term of seventy 
years from the said day, and be collected as shall be prescribed by said 
corporation. 

Section 4. And he it further enacted, that the said bridge shall be built 
of good and sufficient materials, not less than forty feet wide, and well 
covered with plank or timber, suitable for such a bridge, with such rules 
on each side for the safety of travellers and protection of foot passengers, 
and said bridge shall be kept accommodated with not less than twenty 
lamps, which shall be well supplied with oil, and lighted in due season, and 
kept burning until midnight ; and there shall also be made a good and 
sufficient draw or passageway, at least thirty feet wide in the channel over 
which said bridge shall be built, proper for the passing and repassing of 
vessels, through which vessels may pass, free of toll, and shall also erect at 
said draw, and continue in good repair, a well constructed and substantial 
pier or wharf on each side of the said bridge and adjoining to the draw 
everv way sufficient for vessels to lie at securely ; and the said draw shall 
be lifted for all vessels without delay and without toll, except for boats 
passing for pleasure ; and it shall be lawful for the proprietors of the said 
bridge to make the leaves of said draw twenty feet long instead of the 
width of the bridge ; and the said bridge shall be kept in good, safe and 
passable repair for the term of seventy years, to be computed as aforesaid, 
and at the expiration of said term shall be surrendered in like repair to the 
Commonwealth, who shall be deemed the successor of said corporation; 
and at the several places where the said toll shall be received, there shall 
be erected by the said corporation, and exposed to open view constantly a 
board or sign, with the rates of toll and all the tollable articles fairly and 
legiblv written thereon in large capital letters. 

SEcriux 5. And be it further enacted, that the Proprietors of said 
bridge shall pay to the Master of every vessel that shall be loaded and of 
more than twenty tons register measure, that shall pass through said draw, 
for the purpose of unloading her cargo, live cents a ton for each and every 
ton said vessel shall measure, and a like sum of five cents a ton to the Master 
of each and every vessel of more than twenty tons burthen that shall pass 
down and through said draw, loaded, on her outward passage ; Provided 
however that the same vessel passing up and down, though loaded, shall 
not be paid for more than one passage. And it shall be lawful, at any period 
after three years from the passing of this act, for the Proprietors of said 
bridge or the directors of the Roxbury Canal to make application to the 
Governor, who, with the advice of counsel, is hereby authorized, upon such 
application in writing, desiring that a revision of said premium of five 
cents as aforesaid, may be made, to appoint three impartial men to hear 
the parties, examine the premises, and increase or diminish said premium 
of hve cents, as they shall think just ; and their award, signed by them or 
the majority part of them, sealed, and certified to the Governor, and by 
him published, shall be binding upon all parties and shall be the same in 
future to be paid ; and in like manner and by similar application and pro- 
cess the same premium may be increased or diminished at the expiration of 
every five years successively during the term aforesaid ; and whereas it 
may be necessary that the said Proprietors, in making and building said 
bridge, should take, use and appropriate the lands belonging to other 
persons : 



112 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Section 6. Referred to the taking of lands. 

Section 7. And be it further enacted that if the said corporation 
shall refuse or neglect, for the space of three years after the passing of 
this act, to build and complete the said bridge, then this act shall be void 
and of no effect. 

Section 8. And be it further enacted, that in case the proprietors of 
said bridge or any toll gatherer, or officer by them appointed, shall neglect 
or refuse to open the draw, or unnecessarily detain any vessel about to pass, 
the said corporation shall forfeit and pay for such refusal, neglect or un- 
reasonable detention, a sum not exceeding fifty dollars, to be recovered by 
the owner or owners of such vessels in any court proper to try the same, by 
a special action on the case. 

(This act passed March 6, 1804.) 

Work on the bridge was begun at once, and the new street was 
soon completed. In the summer of 1805 the bridge was finished. It 
was 1 55 1 feet in length and cost the proprietors about $56,000. 
October i, 1805, it was opened for the first time with a great demon- 
stration. There was a grand miht iry display and the exercises were 
concluded with a sham fight. 

Many of the advocates of a bridge at the other end of South 
Boston were still determined, and before the south bridge had been 
completed there were evidences of war on the part of the advocates for 
a north bridge. The agitation was continued and public opinion was. 
again much divided. 



chaptI':r xvtt. 

The Boston Free Bkii)(;e. 

Second bridge to South Boston built after twenty years" contest — Petition for bridge from 
Wheeler's Point — Many meetings held — Dorchester and Milton Turnpike con- 
structed — Toll established — Repeated defeats of advocates of l^ridge urge them to 
greater efforts — Bridge question takes political turn, Whigs favorable, Democrats 
opposed — Victory in 1826 — New difficulty as to who would build the bridge — Tax 
levy secures some money; stock purchased by South Boston people — Meeting at 
which total amount was secured — Position of bridge decided upon — City of IJoston 
secures right and builds bridge. 

AFTER a heated and exciting contest, extending' over more than 
twenty years, the Boston Free Bridge, in later years known as the 
l^'ederal Street Bridge, and at the present time the Dorchester 
Avenue Bridge, was, in 1826, authorized ])y the Legislature to be estab- 
lished. It had become absolutely necessary, owing to the increased 
population, to provide communication with that portion of the city now 
near the South Union Station and Atlantic Avenue. A private 
company at first intended to build the bridge, but the city soon secured 
control from the l^oston Free Bridge Corporation, and it became city 
property September 26, i82<S. 

In 1805, the year after the passage of the bills in the Legislature 
for the annexation of South Boston to Boston and also for the erection 
of the South Bridge, the Legislature was again petitioned for a bridge 
from Wheeler's I'oint. By some of the petitioners, it is said, it was 
hoped to prevent the completion of the South Bridge. But this was 
futile as the bridge was completed that same year. 

Still there was a determination on the part of many to build from 
South Boston to Wheeler's Point. The newspapers of that time took 
a prominent part in the controversy, some being favorable and others 
opposed. 

Friday, February 8, 1805, a town meeting was held in the Lni- 
versalist Church, Boston, and there was bitter wrangling, and during a 
long and stormy session the advocates of a bridge secured a majority, 
and a resolution was adopted instructing the Senators of Suffolk County 
and the Representatives from Boston, to aid by every possible means to 
secure the passage of an act authorizing the building of a bridge from 
Wheeler's Point, in a line with South Street, to South Boston. 

This had not the desired effect, however, as the opponents of the 
bridge had a majorit}- of the Legislature wMth them, and the bill was 
defeated I-^ebruary 20, 1805. 

In 1 807 another effort was made and a petition was again presented 
to the Legislature. The bitterest feeling existed between those in favor 



114 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



and those opposed, which feehng, in fact, did not entirely die away for 
many years afterward. 

Meetings were held in the Old South Church, but notwithstanding 
all the agitation, and the favor of the Senate, the House of Representa- 
tives refused to concur and again the petition was refused. 

Up to 1805 there was but one road between Dorchester and the 
Neck, and that was about where is now Boston Street. But in 1805 a 
corporation, entirely distinct from that which had built the South Bridge, 
constructed the Dorchester and Milton Turnpike, which extended away 
out to Milton Lower Mills, the same as the present Dorchester Avenue. 

There was a toll, established by law, for all carriages and beasts 
passing over it. From this and tolls from individuals who used the 
turnpike, quite a revenue was secured by the company until 1854, 
when it was purchased by popular subscription and accepted by the 
town of Dorchester as a public highway. 

This turnpike was much used and it was thought it made the 
chances better for the erection of the North Bridge. Many believed the 
proposed bridge imperative and so earnest did they become that a 
scheme was carried out for the purpose of emphasizing the necessity of 
such a bridge. 

One of the land-holders at the South Boston end of the proposed 
bridge, built a wharf in line of the Dorchester Turnpike. Slowly the 
work was accomplished until it was built out into the channel. Then 
one night a cob-wharf was floated around from the North luid and 
moored at Wheeler's Point, reaching to the South Boston wharf and 
thus made an avenue from shore to shore. 

But the South End people were angry, and, forming a party, they 
dressed as Indians and cut away the cob-wharf. Giving it a push it 
floated out into the harbor. Two weeks afterward the wharf was cut 
away and went the route of the cob-wharf, out into the harbor. 

So strong was the feeling between the two parties, on this bridge 
matter, that the situation was more serious than any political battle 
could be and the two sides were lined up like unto the leading political 
parties of the present. 

The projectors of the movement for the building of this North 
Bridge, however, seemed to be doomed to defeat, yet they were not dis- 
couraged. The Boston citizens who favored it and the residents of 
South Boston who believed in it, bided their time, still hoping and still 
confident that as the bridge was a necessity it would have to be granted 
some day. The repeated failures to secure the passage of a bill by the 
Legislature for the erection of the bridge occasioned a cessation of hos- 
tilities for about fifteen years. 

Joseph Woodward, Esq., an old and respected citizen, to whom the 
greater part of the credit for the annexation was due, was also one of 
the most hopeful that the North Bridge would be built and he encour- 
aged many others to think the same. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. Ijr 

During the "dark ages of the bridge question" he vainly endeav- 
ored to bring the matter before the pubHc mind again, but it was not 
until 1823 that he was successful. 

Numerous public meetings were then held in various parts of the 
■city of Boston and there were also meetings in the Hawes schoolhouse, 
South Boston. 

At a meeting of the Board of Aldermen, held Monday, March S, 
1824 (Boston having become a city in 1822), a warrant was issued, on 
petition of Lot Wheelwright and others, calling for a general meeting 
to be held in Faneuil Hall, Monday, March 15. 

The meeting was held and the following question for discussion 
was handed, in printed form, to each one who attended : 

Is it for the interest and convenience of the city to have a free bridge 
or draw, from \\'heeler's Point to South Boston, provided the same can be 
effected without any expense to the city, and whether they will instruct 
their Senators and Representatives in the next Legislature to labor to sup- 
port such a measure.^ 

Francis J. Oliver, Esq., was moderator of the meeting and the 
mayor and aldermen were present. There was a very large attendance 
and much impatience manifested. An effort was made by the oppo- 
nents to prevent a vote. The \-ote to postpone action was heavily 
defeated, and when the ballot on the question before the meeting was 
counted there were 2,847 yeas and 779 na)'s. 

The question having been determined in fa\-or of a free bridge the 
meeting was dissolved. 

In accordance with the vote passed at this meeting the city govern- 
ment petitioned the General Court, at its session in May, 1824, to 
sanction the building of a bridge from Wheeler's Point to South Boston 
in a line with South Street. The Senators and Representatives were 
instructed to aid by every possible means the passage of the bill and 
then began a struggle which up to then was unequalled in the Legisla- 
tive halls of Massachusetts and was very much like the contest for the 
Cove Street P2xtension Bridge of recent }ears. 

Advocates of the bridge and their opponents, all alike, endeavored 
to influence the legislators who came their way, and lobbying was 
general. The Representatives from other parts of the state took par- 
ticular interest in the matter and the discussion occupied the greater 
part of that session. 

But, even with all this, the Legislature of 1824 did not grant the 
petition, thus ignoring the Faneuil Hall meeting and the request of the 
■city government of Boston. 

The bridge question took a political turn, the Whigs being in favor 
of the bridge and the Democrats opposed to it. The election of muni- 
cipal officers in Boston was largely based on the bridge question. 



ii6 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



But in 1826 the time for the advocates of the bridge had come- 
the Legislature was again petitioned and this time their prayer was 
granted. Against big odds they had fought, numerous had been their 
defeats, but success finally crowned their efforts. It was the beginning 
of a new era for South Boston, and with bridges to the South End and 
the North End, access to the city was easy. 




BOSTON^ WITH PORTION OF CHANNEL AND SOUTH BOSTON IN 1828. 
(Showing Boston South and North Free Bridges.) 

But the passage of the bill by the Legislature did not build the 
bridge. A new difficulty presented itself, which, however, was soon 
overcome. The question arose as to who should build the bridge. 

The estimated cost was 830,000 and the city was not willing to- 
move, nor was any individual ready to take the matter in hand. 

South Boston citizens, desirous of having the bridge built, willingly 
allowed a tax to be levied upon themselves, but the total thus secured 
was far below the required amount. 

Then it was proposed to have the stock divided into shares and' 
again South Boston people came forward and purchased in large: 
amounts. Still there was not money enough. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. II7 

At last it became necessary to resort to extraordinary methods to 
secure the money and a meeting of those interested was held. After a 
long debate the chairman rose and said : 

" Gentlemen, there is but one of two things to do : either the bridge 
project must be given up, the charter cast aside, and the labor of many 
years lost, or we must contribute a sufficient sum to construct the bridge. 
Gentlemen, I hold in my hand a list of names, against each of which is 
placed a certain amount which you are invited to loan the bridge company, 
with the proviso that the lenders shall be entitled to receive all that 
remains after the bridge is completed. 

Some of those present were " doomed " for $1,000, some $1,500 and 
one or two as high as $2,000. No time was given for hesitation, and a 
promise was required from each before he left the room. 

One gentleman, a zealous ( ? ) friend of the bridge, but who felt 
unwilling to put his hand in his pocket in the manner proposed, was 
discovered in the effort to quietly leave the hall. The chairman, seeing 
this, said, " It's no use, either you must make the loan or give up the 
project." 

All, save one, agreed to loan the amount for which they were 
" doomed," although it appeared quite doubtful, then, that any return 
would ever be made. 

Proposals for building the bridge were then solicited, and Messrs. 
Newcomb, of Ouincy, were given the contract to erect the abutments 
on the South Boston side, William Wright and A. A. Dame the abut- 
ments on the Boston side, and Samuel Chittenden was engaged to do 
the woodwork. 

The question then rose as to what the position of the bridge 
should be. A wealthy South Boston man, owner of some estate in the 
vicinity of the proposed bridge, and the proprietor of the flats on the 
westerly side of Turnpike Street, offered to erect at his own expense 
the necessary sea wall on the westerly side, on the condition that 
the bridge would run directly to his flats, in a line with Turnpike 
Street. 

The proposition was accepted, and the abutments of the bridge 
were run in a direct line with Turnpike Street, and then a turn was 
made. 

So much trouble had occurred in building the bridge, that the pro- 
jectors were pleased when, February 5, 1827, the city council passed a 
resolve, " that, in case the Boston P>ee Bridge Corporation should build 
a bridge such as the city council should approve, it would be expedient 
for the city to accept the same and to assume the care and obligation 
of keeping the bridge in repair and to provide for lighting the same, 
and for raising the draw or draws thereof, as long as South Boston 
should remain a part of the city of Boston, upon such terms and con- 
ditions as should be required by the city council." 



ii8 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON, 



August II, 1828, a committee was appointed by the city council 
with full power to accept from the Free Bridge Corporation the surrender 
of the bridge, with its abutments, on the compliance by the corporation 
with the terms and conditions prescribed, and to submit all matters in 
dispute to arbitration. 

It was finally agreed and accepted by the city that $1,607 be paid 
to the city by the corporation, upon which delivery and payment, the 
obligation of the care and superintendence of the bridge and streets 
devolved upon the city, by the force of the award. 

I^y the deed of the corporation, which was executed by Francis J. 
Oliver, the president, September 26, 1828, pursuant to a vote of the 




VIEW OF BOSTON, FROM SOUTH BOSTON, 1830. 



corporation passed September 24, the Boston Free Bridge Corporation 
surrendered and conveyed the said bridge and abutments, wharves, etc., 
to the city of Boston, upon the terms and conditions which the city of 
Boston agreed to accept by the resolve of February 5, 1827, and also 
assigned to the city a deed from Gardner Greene, dated August i, 
1828, and a deed from John T. Apthorp and others, dated August 
21, 1828, and conveyed to the city all the lands and flats, rights and 
' privileges acquired thereby. 

There was some little opposition to the project of making the 
bridge city property, but at last this feeling was wiped out and thus 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. II9 

was opened a new avenue between Boston and South Boston, known as 
the Boston Free Bridge. 

It is interesting to note that in 1832, when the affairs of the origi- 
nal company had been audited, S2431.13 remained to be divided among 
those who had loaned to the company, which was about forty-one per 
cent of the whole loan. 

March 12, 1830, an act was passed by the Legislature repealing 
the provision for a payment to vessels passing the South Bridge draw. 

June 23, 1 83 1, after the North Bridge had been built, and the 
value of the South Bridge had greatly decreased, an act was passed 
authorizing and empowering the proprietors of the South Bridge to sell, 
assign or transfer to the city of Boston, the franchise and materials of 
said bridge, to have and to hold the same to the city and its successors 
forever. Provision was also made that no toll or duty should be paid 
for travel over said bridge or passing the draw of the same, and that 
the city should keep the bridge in repair, provide a keeper to raise the 
draw and give all proper accomodation to vessels desiring to pass. 

April 2, 1832, the proprietors of the South bridge agreed with the 
committee of the city council to sell for a sum not less than $3500, 
and the city council committee recommended that the offer be accepted. 

A deed was executed, April 19, 1832, for the sum of $3500, con- 
veying to the city of Boston and its successors "all the franchise and 
also all the materials of the l^oston South Bridge together with the 
buildings, rights, wharves and real estate of the said corporation and 
every part and parcel thereof, whatsoever the same may be, with all the 
privileges, appurtenances and immunities thereof in any wise appertain- 
ing, subject, nevertheless to all the provisos, terms, duties, conditions 
and tenure in the aforesaid acts of the said Commonwealth set forth 
and expressed." 

Thus, in 1832, the South Bridge became city property, and was 
made free to the public. 



CHAPTER XVni. 
South Boston 1804 to 1830. 

Area of South Boston at annexation — District surveyed and streets laid out — Increase 
in population in twenty-five years — Manufactories — Cains's glass works — Alger's 
foundry — Ship-building — Blocks and dwellings erected— War of 1812 a setback — 
Hotels — Burial place — First churches — First schools — John Hawes — City 
lands — Transportation to the city — First police patrol — Fires. 

BRIGHT indeed were South Boston's prospects, after annexation to 
tile progressive town of Boston, and soon steps were taken to im- 
prove the new section. Ah'eady about a dozen famihes were living 
there, and there was at least one building for manufacturing purposes. 

South Boston, when annexed, comprised about 560 acres. This did 
not, of course, include what was known as Washington Village, as that 
remained a part of Dorchester until half a century later. For many 
years after the birth of South Boston, a milestone on Turnpike Street, 
just beyond Seventh Street, with "B" on one side and "D" on the 
other, marked the dividing line. 

For many years in the vicinity of what is now Andrew Square, 
near the corner of Preble Street, was the toll house and gate. This 
was surrendered in 1852, as a free public way. 

When the town of Boston consented to the proposed annexation of 
South Boston, it was provided that their selectmen should be allowed 
to lay out "all necessary streets, public squares and market places." 
They were evidently determined that South Boston, at least, should 
have regular, wide and commodious streets. It was further provided 
that the town should not be obliged to complete the streets thus laid 
out sooner than the selectmen might deem expedient. 

Mr. Mather Withington, a leading surveyor of the town, was chosen 
to draw a plan for streets of South Boston. He was instructed to have 
them run north and south, with cross streets east and west. His plans 
completed, the selectmen of the town, P>bruary 1805, proceeded to 
lay out the streets. There was a slight difference between the origi- 
nal arrangement and the present. 

Although it was several years before these thoroughfares were 
built up, the work of the town consisted merely in laying out the 
streets in the way they should be built upon. 

The "Old Road" was named Dorchester Street, starting about 
where is now Ninth Street, extending east sixty-three degrees, not to 
the water's edge as at present, but to Broadway. This street was to 
be eighty feet wide. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



12 I 



From the northerly end of Dorchester Street, a handsome avenue 
was marked out, intended as one of the finest streets hi the town, 
named Broadway, and now the pride of our district. This was to run 
southerly 84 1-2 degrees east to the bay, and northerly 24 degrees west 
until it met the line of the Turnpike. This was also eighty feet 
wide. 

To the north of Broadway and running parallel thereto, were laid 
out First, Second and Third Streets, although First Street extended 
only to what is now the foot of B Street, and Second Street ended 
at about D Street. These were each fift)- feet wide and varying from 
310 3-4 down to 220 feet distant from each other. 




OLD TOLL-HOUSE ON THE TURNPIKE. 
(St'll standing on Prebie Street.) 



To the south of Broadway, commencing and running westerly 
from Dorchester Street, were four streets, also parallel to Broadway, 
reaching to the Turnpike — l^^ourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Streets, — 
about 250 feet from each other and the one nearest Broad wa)' 276 feet 
therefrom. 

To the east of Dorchester Street, south of Broadway there were 
also planned six streets, the same as the four on the westerly side of 
Broadway — Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Streets, with Eighth and 
Ninth Streets added. These extended easterly to the water, but were 
broken by Dorchester Heights, some passing on the north and south 
sides and some traversing over and extending to the Point. 



122 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Intersecting these, forming cross streets, six highways were planned 
between Dorchester Street and the Turnpike, beginning 500 feet from 
the Turnpike, and each at exact right angles with Broadway, all to be 
500 feet apart, fifty feet wide, and reaching from the dividing line be- 
tween Dorchester and South Boston, northward to the bay. 

Ten other streets, fifty feet wide, were laid out east of Broadway,, 
at right angles with it, from 376 to 500 feet apart, all running from 
north to south, water to water. These six streets to the west and ten 
streets to the east of Broadway were to be designated by letters of 
the alphabet, A Street being the first from the Turnpike and O Street 
near the water's edge, at the Point. 

There were also two short streets near Dorchester Street, one 
parallel with the cross streets and named Old Harbor Street and the 
other at right angles, called Telegraph Street. 

This was the original plan for the streets, but it was not carried 
out for many years afterward. 

In 1809 certain additional streets were provided. Dorchester 
Street was continued north to the water and a change was made in the 
line of Fourth Street between Dorchester and G Streets. 

The principal change in the i 809 plans was the laying out of addi- 
tional ways between those numerically named which in after years 
were built upon and now are named Dresser, Bolton, Athens, Silver, 
Gold, Bowen, Baxter and Tudor Streets. They were laid out twenty 
feet wide. Gardner Greene and thirty-seven other proprietors signed 
the deed appropriating lands for this purpose. 

Before 1825, a Targe number of sales of land for dwelling pur- 
poses having been made, it was found that in selling, the proprietors 
had encroached upon the streets as laid out. Accordingly, in 1825, 
Mather Withington and S. P. P'uller were employed by the city to 
compare the plans and see what encroachments there were. The 
original plan of Mr. Withington had been lost, but he was employed 
by the mayor of Boston to make another drawing as near the original 
as possible. This latter drawing is now in the posses.sion of the city. 

On the completion of the North Free Bridge by the city, in 1828,. 
a new street was opened from this bridge to the Dorchester Turnpike. 
Previous to this it was all marsh between the bridge and Broadway, 
but this was laid out from the bridge to the Dorchester line and named 
Turnpike Street. 

Starting with a i^opulation of sixty in 1804, South Boston had a 
population of nearly 3,000 in twenty-five years. The district, intended 
to be the means of forming a greater Boston, afforded excellent opportu- 
nities for attaining this end. The proprietors of the land found a 
ready market for house lots, and also sections for mercantile and manu- 
facturing purposes. Manufactories, some large and some small, were 
established at the northerly end, adjacent to the centre of the town, and 
around these establishments the people built their homes. In a very 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



123 



few years quite a little settlement had started, and from this seed grew 
our present magnificent South Boston. 

The Dix and Brinley chemical works on the shore near where the 
Boston Wharf was afterward built, was probably the first manufactory 
in the district. It started before 1804, and the workmen came from 
Boston in boats, but afterward formed the nucleus of that little settlement. 

In 181 I the proprietors of the Essex Glass Works erected a build- 
ing near the chemical works, sent to England for workmen, but the War 
of 1812 spoiled thier project. 




THOMAS CAINS' RESIDENCE (B AND SECOND STS.) 



The following year, however, Thomas Cains came from Bristol, 
England, and started an establishment for* the manufacture of flint 
glass, principally table ware, chemical apparatus, and apothecaries' 
supplies, at the corner of B and Second Streets. He was the pioneer 
flint glass maker in the United States, and the business continued until 
1870. Mr. Cains' son, William, succeeded to the business. 

Mr. William Cains, born in South Boston in 18 14, learned his 
father's business with him and remained in his father's employ until 
1852, when the elder Cains retired and William Johnston, a brother-in- 
law, and William Cains conducted the business. In 1855 Mr. Johnston 



124 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



died and the elder Cains took up the reins again, continuing until 1865, 
when he died. 

William Cains then carried on the business until 1870 when 
he retired to private life and has since resided in the district. 
At the present time, 1901, Mr. Cains is yet a resident of the dis- 
trict, and it is hoped that he has many years to remain among us, con- 
tinuing in good health and enjoying the esteem of the entire community. 
The Cains did a large business for many years, but rival establish- 
ments started and there was the usual 
competition, although the Cains' works 
outlived all the others. 

Thomas Cains lived in one of 
three cottages on Second Street, 
directly in the rear of the glass 
works. He afterward built a hand- 
some mansion near the works, about 
where is now Bolton and B Streets. 
He was one of the wealthiest men in 
New England, entertained royally, 
and at one time had as his special 
guest the lamented Theobald Mat- 
thew, the advocate of temperance. 
Mr. Cains owned about all the land 
between B and C Streets, from the 
water to near Broadway. 

Cyrus Alger was one of the 
leading citizens, if not the most promi- 
nent. He was born in Bridgewater 
in 1 78 1, and came to South Boston 
in 1809, and with Gen. Winslow formed a partnership and conducted a 
foundry business on Second Street, near Dorchester Street. About 
18 14 Gen. Winslow retired in favor of his son, and Mr. Alger then 
started in on his own account on Foundry Street, near Fourth Street. 
He bought all the property between the Turnpike and the channel, and 
from the North Free Bridge to the foot of Fifth Street. This purchase 
was made from the association that took charge of South Boston lands 
after annexation. 

The South Boston Iron Company, of which he was the originator, 
was incorporated in 1827, 'and with him were George C. Thacher, W. 
H. Howard and Caleb Reed. Gradually the works were extended, 
about 250 men were employed, he filled in the flats, built up Fourth 
Street to the bridge, also Foundry Street, and in other ways developed 
the territory. 

Cyrus Alger and his family lived at the corner of Foundry and 
Fourth Streets. Large sums of money were paid out to beautify the 
surroundings. His influence was great, and to him, more than any 
other one man, is due the first impetus given to South Boston. He was 




THOMAS CAINS. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH IIOSTON. 



125 



a member of the Common Council the first year of the municipality, 
and alderman in 1824 and 1827. He was a friend of labor and the 
first employer in the district to introduce the ten hour system. He 
died in 1856. 

Shipbuilding was one of the earliest industries. Lot Wheeler was 
the pioneer, starting business previous to 1822. Afterward Capt. Noah 
Brooks came from the east and started in at the foot of F Street. 
Capt. Brooks lived in a handsome house on Broadway near F Street, 
where a stable is now located. Other ship-3'ards were started in later 
years, mention of which will be made in succeeding chapters. 




NOAH BROOKS' RESIDENCE, BROADWAY NEAR F STREET. 1825, 

After the War of 1812, South Boston recovered from a temporary 
setback, and soon there were three or four glass works, three ship- 
yards, four foundries and numerous machine shops established. The 
foundry and machine shops in later years gave employment to from 
1,000 to 1,500 men. 

In the building line the first important block was that of brick 
buildings at the corner of Broadway and A Street, being at the foot of 
Nook Hill. It was known as the Brinley block. 

The War of 181 2 caused a cessation in the work on this block, 
but two of the four houses were completed, and during the war were 
used as a barracks, and afterwards were known as "The Barracks." 
These houses were finished in most magnificent style and others were 
completed a few years afterward but were used for other than dwelling 
purposes, principally as a hat factory. 



126 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



The front walls of these houses still remain and are next to the 
Hotel Broadway. The ground's surface being then much higher than 
at present, the front doors and first floor were where the second story 
is now, and a short flight of steps led thereto. Subsequently the street 
was dug down and stores built beneath. The former front doors were 
changed into windows and the steps removed. 

Mr. Murphy, who came to South Boston shortly after annexation, 
built a house on Fourth Street, which in later years was known as the 
South Boston Hotel, and that building is also still standing. When 
first constructed it was only half the present size. 







BRINLEY BLOCK. A STREET AND BROADWAY. 



USED AS A BARRACKS IN 1812. 

ndows ovei 



(Building is now ra'sed one story, stores on first floor. T 
street doors were former entrances ) 

Mr. Murphy opened it as a public house and hung out, as a sign, 
a large golden ball. .^.^ i : 

Mr. Ross, a soaj) manufacturer, in 1805, built a large brick build- 
ing at the corner of the Turnpike and Fourth Street and later it was 
known as the Twelfth Ward Hotel, Davis Holmes, proprietor. At first 
Mr. Ross used it for a dwelling and after its use for a hotel it was used 
as a private dwelling again. 

Abraham Gould, whose wife was a daughter of Mr Foster, owned 
a fine brick building near the corner of E and Fourth Streets, which 
remained until a few years ago, next to the Bigelow School. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH I^OSIOX. 



12 










1ATTHEiA/S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
Broadway near E Street, 



(1819.) 



He was one of the leading citizens, and lived in the district long- 
before the annexation. He was on guard duty at Nook Hill on the 
night of the erection of the forts on Dorchester Heights. The list 
of taxpayers of 1804 .shows him 

to be the largest individual owner j ^ ■ _ 1 

in the district. He died in the ' "^ ' 

brick house near E Street in 1840, 
aged 84. 

These were the only brick 
dwellings in South Boston for 
many years. There were many 
wooden dwellings in the neighbor- 
hood of Fourth and Turnpike 
Streets and Broadway, occupied 
by persons working in the facto- 
ries, who formerly lived in the 
city. 

The War of 1 8 1 2 postponed 
South Boston's expected growth, 
for a long time. Three of the 
four houses in the l^rinle)' block 
remained unoccupied for many 

years and the fourth one brought in but little rent each month. Mr. 
Murphy gave up the Golden Ball Hotel at the end of five years and 
then Mr. Hunting occupied it as a residence for twenty-eight years. 

Not alone did the early residents of South Boston have in mind 
the growth of their district, but they were obliged to give some thought 
to the sadder and more sorrowful consideration of the disposition of 
their dead. The old burying ground in Dorchester generally served 
the purpose for the few families. 

A few years after annexation the town of Boston planned for a 
burial place in the vicinity of what is now West Seventh and Dorchester 
Streets. In 18 10 fifteen tombs were built on the spot where now is 
located the Shurtleff school. But little mention is made of this burial 
place in the records, and it is supposed that it was used only a short 
time. 

The building of St. Matthew's Church, organized March 24, 18 16, 
and incorporated June 16, following, occasioned further steps to be 
taken for a burial place. 

In 1 81 7 the wardens and the vestry commenced erecting the new 
church on Broadway, about 100 feet northwest of E Street, on a lot 
which subsequently was conveyed to them by Abraham Gould. The 
church was erected June 24, 18 19, and gradually the size of the lot and 
building was increased. Tombs were built in the cellar of the church, 
and June 18, 181 8, the Board of Health granted permission to use them 
for burial purposes. 



128 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




SOUTH BAPTIST SOCIETY'S FIRST MEETING-HOUSE 
C Street and Broadway 



Almost simultaneous with the establishment of St. Matthew's 
church and cemetery was the setting apart of land for a cemetery for 
the Catholic people, and it is said by many that this dated long before 
the building of tombs in St. 
Matthew's church. Records 
state that in 1810 land was set 
aside for a cemetery for the 
then very small Catholic popu- 
lation of Boston. It was a part 
of a fine old estate, shaded by 
magnificent elms, which, toda)', 
in the present St. Augustine's 
cemetery, rise to a majestic 
height over the graves and 
chapel beneath. In 18 19 a 
chapel was built in this ceme- 
tery which is still standing, and 
wherein are interred many 
Catholic bishops and clergymen. 

Through the generosity of John Hawes, one of the land owners 
when the section was annexed, a temporary place of worship was 
erected for the Congregationalists, in 1820, at the corner where now is 

K and Fourth Streets. Rev. 
Thomas Pierce, a Methodist cler- 
gyman from Meriden, Connecti- 
cut, was chosen as minister. 

Eight years later a regular 
church was organized under the 
title of the "Hawes Place Con- 
gregational Society," and the first 
building enlarged. 

Phillips Church was gath- 
ered, Dec. 10, 1823, in a house 
on P'ourth Street, near B Street. 
The house is still there. The 
first house of worship was built 
on the corner of A Street and 
Broadway, March, 1825, and 
eleven years later a new church 
was built on the same site. 

The South Baptist Society 
first met in the one-and-a-half 
story house on the northwest 
corner of C Street and Broadway. C Street sloped down at this corner 
and in the basement was a grocery store kept by N. P. Mann. 

The congregation having grown, July 22, 1830, the church on the 




SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH 
C Street and Broadway. Dedicated 1830. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH F.OSTOX. 



129 



opposite corner was dedicated. This building was formerly the First 
Church in Gharlestovvn, then removed to Boston, and was purchased by 
the Baptists and removed to South Boston. 

Believing that they were as much entitled to suitable school 
accomodations as in other sections of the town of Boston, the residents 
of South Boston, after becoming a part of that town, sought to secure 
from the school committee a suitable school for the instruction of their 
children. 

In Alay, 1807, a petition was sent to this committee by the 
residents, praying for an appropriation for the school, but no attention 
was paid to the petition. 

When the school committee refused to act, the town took the 




PHILLIPS CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY'S FIRST MEETING-HOUSE ON FOURTH STREET. (IS23.) 

matter in hand and authorized the appropriation of S300, which, with 
an additional sum subscribed by the citizens, was used in the erecting 
of a small building on G Street, near Dorchester Street. 

In 181 1 the school committee approved an appropriation of S300 
for one year, and in 1816 there was an additional Si 00 allowed. 

The schoolroom was peculiarly arranged. From wall to wall was 
a long desk, and at this sat the first and second classes. To reach 
the seats the children were obliged to climb over the desk itself. At 
the further end was the master's desk, elevated about three feet. From 
this desk, running from east to west, were several shorter desks and 
e rvches, running north and south, leaving a narrow aisle the entire 
ength of the building, in the centre of which was a stove. 



i^^o 



inSTOKV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




PHILLIPS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 
A Street and Broadway. 



The short cross seats and desks were occupied by the i^irls of the 
school and the boys of the lower classes. The desks of the higher 
classes of girls had accommodations for writing. The first master of 

the school was Zephania Wood, 
of Lunenburg. Mr. Wood was 
loved and respected by all who 
knew him, and while he was 
teacher of the school he also 
preached to the Hawes Congre- 
gational Society. At his death, 
October 26, 1822, Rev. Lemuel 
Capen, of Dorchester, was ap- 
pointed his successor, and 
assumed charge, November 21, 
1822. 

In 1 82 1 the residents peti- 
tioned for a new schoolhouse, and 
a sub-committee of the school 
committee voted it expedient to 
"build a new schoolhouse to con- 
sist of two rooms, each sufficient 
to accomodate 150 scholars." 

The annexation act ])rovided 
that the land proprietors should set apart three lots of land, for a 
market-place, a schoolhouse and a burial place. The lot for the market- 
house was deeded to the town in 1819 by Mr. John Hawes. The 
name, John Hawes, is oiie that, whenever mentioned, reminds the 
citizens of South Boston of the gratitude due him for his noble and 
generous gifts for the improvement of South Boston. 

Born in Dorchester, January 9, 1741, he died in South Boston, 
January 22, 1829, at the age of 88. His will, dated October 2, 181 3, 
proved and allowed by the Probate Court, March 9, 1829, was con- 
firmed by the Supreme Court the first Tuesday in March, 1830. The 
executors were James Humphries, Henry Gardner and Ebenezer 
Everett, but the last two declined to serve. 

Previous to his death he made many public gifts, and among them 
was land on Broadway, between V Street and Dorchester Street, for a 
market house, but there being no demand for such a place at that time, 
he granted permission that it be used for the erection of a schoolhouse 
until a public market was desired. 

The Hawes school was established in 1823, and a new brick 
building erected after considerable delay by the city government. 
The population of South Boston at that time was about 1,700. 

In 1822, shortly after Boston became a city, a large tract of land 
was purchased at South Boston Point, comprising all the territory north 
of a line drawn from the corner of the present L and Fourth Streets to 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. I3I 

O and Fourth Streets. This was called the City Lands, and soon a 
poorhouse was erected thereon. In years following other institutions 
were erected, until there were the House of Industry, a building of 
brick; House of Reformation; Lunatic Asylum, of brick; and a House 
of Correction, a little to the east of the Lunatic Asylum. This 
remained the City Lands until shortly before 1855, when the stockade 
fence was removed, a park laid out and streets extended to the Point. 

A hack owned by Ephraim Dodge was probably the first public 
conveyance between South l^oston and the city. He commenced 
running this as early as 1829, although for a few years previous to that 
he had two boats plying from his place on First Street, foot of K 
Street, that ferried people across to the city. This was from the first 
wharf ever built in South Boston. 

Broadway was not in good condition, however, and Dodge's route 
was over the South Bridge, rather than the North Free Bridge. He 
had at first attempted to use Broadway, but the wheels of his hack sank 
in the mud and soft clay. The patronage he received, however, soon 
warranted him in purchasing two omnibuses which made hourh' trips 
to and from the cit)'. The fare was ninepence. 

The first police patrol, or, as it was called then, the " watch," was 
established in 1824, when Mr. Crowley and Mr. Bickford were assigned 
to do duty in the district. Their hours of duty, however, were only 
.at night, from eleven to one o'clock in summer and ten to two in 
winter. 

In 1830 Jeptha R. Cowdin and Jacob Herrick succeeded the first 
two, and Mr. Herrick remained in this position more than a quarter 
of a century. 

Plres broke out occasional!}- in the district. Probably the first 
after the annexation, was that in Cains's glass works, March 13, 181 3, 
and about a month later an old engine that had done service in the 
centre town, was placed at the glass house, and an engine company 
was formed, but did little service. April 8, 1 8 1 4, there was a fire in 
the P'urnace Building. May 26, 181 7, Gregg & PLste's building was 
burned. (Jctober 12, 18 19, there was a fire in the establishment of 
John Moore, on the Turnpike. 

March 21, 1821, South Boston petitioned for an engine for their 
section, but it was afterward voted " not expedient." 

When Boston was made a city in 1822, there were twelve wards, 
and each ward had three fire wards. These fire wards were the men 
who had charge of the respective districts. South Boston, part of 
Ward 12, had John D. Williams, Noah Brooks and Samuel Wheeler. 
The fireman of W^ard i2 engine was Asa Lewis. 

April 17, 1823, the inhabitants again petitioned for an engine and 
■one was stationed in the schoolhouse (Hawes), numbered 17, and 
Alpheus Stetson was first in charge. 

March 28, 1824, Cains' glass works was again burned. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

War with England and other Events. 

Trouble with (heat Britain — Ready response to Gox. Strong's call for troops — Fire 
companies ordered to the bridges — Dorchester Heights fortified — Other important 
^vork — Training field on liroadway — Approach of vessels occasions false alarm — A 
man. charged with piracy, hanged in the district. 

EIGHT years after the anne.xation of South Boston the first set back 
of a serious nature was encountered, and it was wholly on account 

of the war with England. 

There had been much enthusiasm throughout the new district,, 
buildings were going up rapidly, business was on the increase, and 
bright were the prospects for the future. But June 17, 181 2, war was 
declared between the United States and Great Britain, a bill to that 
effect passing Congress by a vote of 79 to 49, and the Senate by a 
vote of 19 to 13. The day following, President Madison signed the bill. 

Immediately preparations were commenced for the conflict. After 
the declaratiiMi, the President called on all the states to furnish troops, 
and volunteers joined the army in large numbers. England, as usual, 
was making preparations with a determination and vigor that always 
marked her wars. There was, however, some difficulty in the United 
States to obtain a number sufficient to meet the trained soldiers of 
England. The difficulty was, as evidenced by the votes in Congress 
and" the Senate, that some of the people thought the war wholly un- 
necessary. 

Gov. Strong, in Massachusetts, issued an urgent appeal for troops, 
and the militia from all around Boston gathered in goodly numbers. 

This call for additional troops by Gov. Strong, for service in the 
vicinity of Boston, was owing to the fear that the British might attack 
the town. 

The United States troops were stationed at the forts on the 
islands and were duly enlisted for the war. The state militia, however,, 
was enlisted for only thirty days. The city authorities, too, prepared 
for any attack that might be made. Each of the fire engine companies 
was ordered to one or the other of the various bridges of the town and 
were instructed, if deemed necessary, to cut the bridges. Engines 8 
and 12, with their fire wards, were located at the South bridge and 
were in charge of James Phillips and Nathaniel Curtis. 

It was thought best to again fortify Dorchester Heights, and as 
the embankment had been partially washed away, the works had neces- 
sarily to be strengthened. This work was performed by volunteers,. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH liOSTON. 133 

patriotic citizens of the town joining in the work. Parties were 
organized, and even whole male congregations, headed by their minister, 
and encouraged by martial music, contributed a day's labor to hurry on 
the work of rebuilding the fortifications which had once performed 
such excellent work. 

A new powder house was quickly erected, platforms built within 
the forts, on which were placed several cannon, and all was ready for 
action whenever the enemy might appear. 

Being such an advantageous position, several regiments of militia 
were stationed in South Boston, and for many months there were 
stirring military scenes within the peninsula district. Wooden barracks 
were erected in a large field between D and Dorchester Streets, on 
Broadway. Broadway had no houses then, all fields as far as the eye 
could reach. In fact the streets had been but recently marked out, and 
on the spacious grassy areas near the barracks, the militia were drilled 
morning and evening. 

Guards were stationed day and night along the beach from South 
Boston to Commercial Point, and at night, guards prevented persons 
leaving the district. 

Just previous to the breaking out of the war, work had been com- 
menced on four houses at the corner of A Street and Broadway, but 
hostilities caused a cessation in the work. Two of the houses were 
used as barracks, and Capt. McNeil opened a United States recruiting 
rendezvous. It was here that the volunteers and recruits, immediately 
on enlistment, were brought, and remained until such time as they 
were ordered to other parts of the country. 

Military officers appointed by the state of Massachusetts, com- 
manded the state troops and were paid from the state treasury. Thus 
they did not enter the service of the United States and were not 
required to leave the state. 

The soldiers were regularly paid off in gold or silver by the state 
government, while the United States troops were paid off in checkered 
paper money, which was then at a discount of twenty-five per cent. 

A day's supply of provisions was daily drawn by each soldier. In 
addition to this, the soldiers stationed in South Boston enjoyed luxuries 
such as pigs, sheep, fowl, potatoes and other vegetables secured by 
raids on neighboring farms and gardens. 

Boston was not attacked, however, yet the inhabitants continued 
to fear an invasion and the militia was daily in expectation of being 
called into service. F'alse alarms were frequently given and there was 
the greatest excitement everywhere when it would be reported that the 
British fleet was entering the harbor, A watch was on continual duty 
on the Heights. Scores of eyes kept watch on the entrance to the 
harbor, and every one believed that an attack would be made sooner 
or later. 

One cloudy evening these sentinels discovered eight or ten vessels 



134 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



entering the harbor. The word was quickly passed round and prepa- 
rations immediately made to receive the invaders. 

The commander of the forts in the harbor, after a critical survey, 
decided they were British vessels and so passed the word along. 

One commander of a fort quickly lost all his grit, if he had 
any, and when he heard the enemy was approaching he began to shiver. 
His wife and sister, with all his valuables, were quickly removed from 
the fort to South Boston. 

His frightened condition was observed by every one, and Col. 
Porter, afterwards a general, said : 

" Captain, carry your wife and sister out of this fort, we don't 
want any wincing or blubbering here. Clear every one of them out, 
and if you are afraid, clear out yourself, and I'll see to the fort. We 
don't want any scarecrows in it." 

But soon it was discovered to be all a mistake. It was not a fleet 
of Britishers, but a portion of the American squadron giving chase to a 
British frigate. 

The commander of the fort was chagrined, his friends laughed at 
him, and he dropped greatly in the estimation of all. 

And so the watching was continued for several months. The 
forts had been strengthened, and, notwithstanding the weakening of a 
few, the majority of the soldiers were ready for battle. Soon, however, 
peace was declared, the troops returned to their homes, and South 
Boston ceased, for a time, to be the scene of extensive military oper- 
ations. The war was ended in the spring of 1 8 1 4. 

During the latter part of the year 181 3, when the excitement was 
most intense, a man, sentenced to death, was hanged in South Boston. 
Samuel Tully and John Dalton were convicted of piracy. Decem- 
ber 1 2 of that year they were taken from prison in Charlestown and a 
procession was formed, consisting of the deputy marshal, carriages 
containing officers of the prison and the marshal and sheriff of Suffolk 
County. Then came the criminals in the prison carriage, a wagon hung 
in black, attended by Rev. Mr. Collier, chaplain of the prison. They 
were pinioned and wore white caps. 

Their coffins projected from each side of the carriage. Following 
behind were deputy marshals and an immense crowd of men, women 
and children, eager to witness the death struggles of a human being. 

In this manner they passed through the town, Tully repeatedly 
addressing those who crowded about the carriage. Crossing the old 
bridge, they passed up Fourth Street and along C Street to the 
gallows, which was built at the foot of Nook Hill, now the corner of C 
and Third Streets. On arriving at the place of execution, the marshal 
and his deputies, and the sheriff and the chaplain, ascended the stage. 
Tully then read a written communication, in which he confessed that 
he had been guilty of piracy. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH IJOSTON. 135 

He also spoke feelingly of the great kindness and attention he had 
received in prison. The criminals then knelt, and amidst the tumult 
of the immense crowd who surrounded the place of execution, Rev. 
Mr. Collier addressed the throne of Grace. He then took the culprits 
by the hand and bade them each farewell. At quarter past two Tully 
mounted the drop, and letting fall a handkerchief (the signal that he 
was ready) the drop fell and he was launched into eternity, without a 
struggle. 

The marshal then made a suitable address to the immense gath- 
ering, and concluded by reading a respite for Dalton, by which the 
President deferred his execution till the loth of January, 1814. He 
was, however, eventually sentenced to imprisonment for life. 

The halter was then taken from his neck, a hat placed on his head 
instead of the white cap, and he was transported back t^ prison with 
the body of Tully, in the same carriage in which they had been taken 
to the gallows. No less than 10,000 spectators were present, and a 
much larger number would have attended if the weather had not been 
so intensely cold. So cold, indeed, was it, that several were frost 
bitten. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Reminiscences, 1804 to 1830. 

Many old residents of the district still living — Recollections of early South Boston — 
'interviews with William Cains and James Wood— Former residents and business 
nien — Where the houses were — War of 1812 cause of district's growth being 
retarded. 

IN this opening year of the twentieth century South I^oston is pleased 
at the fact that many of her residents who have enjoyed Ufe a half 
or three quarters of the past century, are yet living and enjoying 
good health. There are five, at least, who have enjoyed a residence 
here of seventy-five years or more. They are William Cains, before 
mentioned, son of Thomas Cains, the pioneer glass manufacturer, 
eighty-seven years old, who has lived all that time in the peninsula 
district ; Alpheus Stetson, son of Alpheus M. Stetson, who was born 
in South Boston in 1820, and has lived the eighty-one years in the 
district; William S. Locke, retired, who was born here in 1826, and 
has since been a resident of South Boston, excepting during the few 
years he was travelling in California; Anthony W. Bowden, seventy 
nine years of age, who has lived nearly all of that time in South Boston, 
and William W. Wright. 

Three others who resided in South Boston prior to 1825, but who 
have passed away within a few years, two of whom did not see the 
dawn of the new century, were James Wood, Thompson Baxter and 
Michael Brady. Mr. Wood, who in his early life had been employed 
at Alger's foundry, casting guns for the government, died about three 
years ago ; Mr. Baxter died towards the close of the nineteenth century, 
and Mr. Brady, for many years connected with the Clinch school, died 
in February, 1901. 

Three of these gentlemen, by their reminiscent conversations with 
the writer, have made it possible to publish interesting information con- 
cerning South Boston of seventy-five years ago. 

William Cains, at the present time South Boston's oldest life-long 
resident, still possesses all his faculties and remembers distinctly South 
Boston of eighty years ago. 

"South Boston," he says, "previous to 1820 was but very thinly 
settled. What is now Foundry Street was named for the many indus- 
tries of that class that started there, notably the Alger's. 

" What is now Dorchester Avenue was a marsh from the water 
to Fourth Street, and beyond that, out to Milton, was the Dorchester 
Turnpike. First Street extended only from this marsh to near B Street, 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 1 37 

and Second Street but a little further. Land, where once was water, 
make the present streets of those names up to Dorchester Street. The 
way to Boston was over the South l^ridge, where now is Dover Street 
Bridge. 

" Near the present Dorchester Avenue and Preble Street was the 
toll house, where a cent had to be paid for each person passing, and 
three or four cents for wagons and carts. There was also a toll house 
at the bridge. 

" Corner of Second Street and the marsh lived Daniel Bradford, 
and on the opposite corner was Mr. Dewire. 

" It must be remembered that what is now Fort Point channel was 
much wider in those days, and the water's edge then was on a line with 
the present Foundry Street. Shortl)- after annexation this was partly 
filled in and Cyrus Alger built and extended his foundry. In later years, 
between Broadway and the North Free Bridge were the machine shops 
of Isaac and Scth Adams, Jabez Coney, the Wilmarths, and Mr. 
Souther. 

" Nook Hill, the highest point of which was about on a level with 
the present Lawrence School, sloped down to the water on the north- 
east side, to Broadway on the southwest, to C Street on the southeast, 
and to beyond A Street on the northwest side. Originally, it used to 
be told me, the hill extended beyond A Street to the water's edge, or 
where now is Foundry Street. 

"There was a big inlet running in from the harbor at about D 
Street and this crossed Broadway. I remember when Broadway, at D 
Street, was frequently covered with water and could be crossed only 
on planks. 

"Fourth Street was the principal thoroughfare, extending from the 
bridge southeast as far as Dorchester Street. Beyond Dorchester 
Street, across from the end of Fourth Street, was a road about the same 
as the present I^ast P^ourth Street, extending only to G Street. 

" Dorchester Street did not extend as far as the water, but a road 
diverted from it on a line about where is now Second Street, and at the 
end of this road was a large foundry, the first erected in New 
England. This foundry was the one started by Cyrus Alger and Gen. 
Winslow in 1809. It was on Second Street, about at the foot of 
E Street. 

"The 'Old Road,' then, was what is now P:ast Third Street from 
Dorchester Street, then along p:merson Street to M Street and then 
along what is now Fourth Street, to the Point. 

" Hobb's Lane, afterward called by some people, Fish Lane, was 
from about opposite the old Hawes Church, through what is now the 
Lincoln School grounds, and to the water's edge. 

"There was a short street, on a line where now is K Street, but 
extended only from the 'Old Road' to Fifth Street and the Hawes 
house was right on the corner, just where it is now. A continuation of 



I ^.8 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



this Street, extending to the beach, was a road. This was known as the 
way to Powow Point. 

"South Boston then did not inchide the Washington Village sec- 
tion, and the dividing line was just about where now is the corner 
of Dorchester and Eighth Streets. Out there where now is the 
Andrew School, Dorchester Street could be crossed only at low tide, the 
high tides covering a portion of the thoroughfare. 

"South Boston was laid out in iSio, intended for an ideal residen- 
tial section. The War of 1 8 1 2, however, upset all plans for the time, and 
the anticipated boom was dela)ed. After the war the country was 
poor and South Boston suffered considerably. Soon however, the 
people received new hope and the building of factories and dwellings, 
continued. 



BOSTON HARBOR 




PLAN OF SOUTH BOSTON IN 1826. 

"The block of houses corner of A Street and Broadway was the 
only dwelling on the latter street until Mr. Wright's house near E 
Street. This was at the corner of Wright's Court, named after him. 
It is yet standing, although greatly changed in appearance. This 
was about 1818 and a few years later Mr. Page built a house near 
D Street and the court was named after him. Gerrish also built a house 
between B and C Streets and had quite a large brick-making establish- 
ment. 

"About opposite Mr. Wright's house was St. Matthew's p:piscopal 
Church. On the same side of Broadway, but near the corner of Dor- 
chester Street, were two houses, ten-footers, one of which was occupied 
by Thomas Thayer and family. Mr. Simpson also lived near Dorches- 
ter Street. 

"At the junction of what is now Dorchester Street and East 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 1 39 

Broadway were two houses, one owned by Captain John Davis and the 
other by Thomas Hammond. The hitter was nearer to G Street. 

"This was all there was to Broadway, — a country road from the 
marsh to Dorchester Street, with very few houses. 

"Fourth Street was the principal street in those days, and, especially 
below C Street, it was a hustling business section. Starting from the 
bridge, on one side, was the handsome residence of Cyrus Alger. His 
son, Cyrus, Jr., and a son-in-law, afterward occupied houses adjoining. 
All these are standing today, although in a dilapidated condition. 

"On the corner where is now a carriage factory, was a brick build- 
ing in which old lad)- Hutchinson kept a knick-knack store, and 
opposite, on'the southwest corner was Harding's house. 

"On the opposite corner toward A Street, was the hotel of Davis 
Holmes, better known as 'Pa" Holmes, which was a popular resort for 
many. Then on the southeast corner, was a story and a half house 
occupied by Jabez Wilson who kept a drug store in front. 

"Between A and Turnpike Streets, on the side with 'Pa' Holmes 
place, was a ten-footer owned by John McCarthy, then the establishment 
of William T. Andrews, who was a grocer, furniture dealer, coroner, 
carpenter and justice of the peace. Then came the three story house of 
David Gurney, and at the corner of A Street a three story brick dwell- 
ing house, owned by James Wright. In front and around it was a 
magnificent garden extending back to what is now Silver Street. 

"On the opposite side of Fourth Street, between A Street and the 
Turnpike, was a building owned by John McAleer, who kept a grocery 
store. Mr. Hunting also kept a store on the other corner. 

"Near Turnpike Street, next to the Hunting house, was a ten-footer 
occupied on the lower floor front as a bakeshop and grocery by John 
Emersley who lived in the rear. This house had a basement almost 
entirely under ground. The Hunting house was near A Street. 

"On the westerly side of Fourth Street, were three small houses, 
ten-footers, owned by Owen McCabe, John McFeeley and Mrs. Mary 
Brown. 

"At the corner of A and P^ourth Streets, where Alderman Norris 
now lives, dwelt a man named P^rancis Lamale. Above this were 
several small houses, in one of which was a hall, and above B Street, 
tenement houses. 

"A little back from Fourth Street, near C Street, toward Plfth 
Street was the handsome home of Josiah Dunham, a prominent man in 
his day and who served the district in the Common Council and the 
Board of Aldermen. His rope walk was near by. A Mr. Johnston 
lived near Mr. Dunham. 

"There were a few other houses between Turnpike Street and C 
Street, but unimportant and back from the street. 

" Between C Street and Dorchester Street were but two houses, in 
181 5, the one owned and occupied by Abraham Gould near E Street,. 



140 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



and another where Master Woods lived near F Street. This was at 
one time known as the Pratt house. Mr. Woods was master of the first 
town school in South Boston, before the Hawes School was estabhshed. 
This first school was in a little building at the corner of the Old Road 
and G Street. The Woods and Gould houses were oblong in shape. 
The Woods house, still standing, was the first, in the nineteenth century, 
to be built in South Boston. 

"About 1825 Mr. Cole and Mr. Harris lived near E Street. 

"On Second Street, between C and D Streets, in a small house 
lived Captain Smith. It was not a street then, but the road leading to 
his house was where is now Second Street. He was a tanner by trade 
and had a son, Joseph Smith. 




WOODS HOUSE. 
West Fourth Street, near F Street. 



"South Boston, then, was famous throughout the city for many 
reasons. It was a new section, and in the peninsula there was an 
abundance of excellent drinking water, something that they did not 
possess in the centre of the town. In Boston the people had to depend 
•on Jamaica Pond for water, that came through pipes and was pumped 
•out. Often the pumps there used to get choked up with fish and it 
required much labor to draw a pailfull. 

" A large trench of water was at the corner of D and and Second 
Streets. It was about twenty feet by six feet and six feet deep. 
All the ships used to be supplied from this trench, and afterward, 
when the brewery started there, the trench furnished its supply. The 
l3rewery was established in 1826. 

"A Street sloped down to F'ourth Street, and there were but few 



HISTORY OF SOUTH I'.OSTON. 



141 



families living- there. Between Broadway and I^'ourth Street, there was 
John, Frank and William Lavery. John H. Lavery of today is a son 
of Frank Lavery. Mrs. Sommers also lived there. 

" In 1 8 14, I am told, there were about forty houses in the district. 
Old St. Augustine's chapel, in the cemetery, was dedicated in 1819. 
For many years a priest sent from the church over town used to come 
to St. Augustine's church, but about 1830 the first parish priest was 
appointed. Rev. Fr. Drummond. He was a goodly man and quite 
young. In 1835 he went away and I remember hearing, in after years, 
of his noble work in Halifax where he attended cholera stricken people 

that came in the English ships^ 
and one time he went five days 
without any rest. He died about 
1870, at a good old age. 

" There were but few Catho- 
lics in the district then, and 
Father Drummond' s mission ex- 
tended out Dorchester as far as 
Milton. When the foundries and 
machine shops flourished, in later 
years, the Catholic population 
increased. 

" From the close of the War 
of 1 81 2 until the beginning of 
the Civil War, the manufactures 
so increased that South Boston 
was second to no other place in 
the country, in the way of indus- 
tries. 

" The brick industry was an 
important one. In the block 
bounded by B and C Streets, 
Broadway and Fourth Street, 
were the several brick kilns of 
the Harris brothers. From these 
kilns were taken the bricks that 
were used in erecting many of 
the dwelling-houses of Boston. It was a remarkable clay pit, but has 
since been filled in. Another brick kiln, corner of E and Fifth Streets, 
was owned by Mr. Osgood. 

'< Above Dorchester Street, on what is now Fourth Street, near 
the Bird schoolhouse, was a very old building occupied by John 
Bird. There was a beautiful garden surrounding the house and 
extending from the house down to Dorchester Street. Above that, on 
the same side, was Pope's house with farm surrounding it. 

" Near I Street and the * Old Road ' were the houses of Mr. 




REV, FR. DRUMMOND FIRST CATHOLIC PASTOR 

IN SOUTH BOSTON. 

(Taken from a photograph of I860.) 



142 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Williams, Mr. Holmes and Mr. Howard, On Emerson Street, from I 
Street to the cemetery, was ' The Village.' Mr. Fenno lived on the 
'Old Road,' between Dorchester and H Streets, as did also Mr. 
Souther. 

" Between M and X Streets, on the south side, lived Mr. Whitte- 
more, a butcher, and Theophilus Carter. Below that there was no 
house west of P Street. Just beyond P Street was a ten foot building 
occupied by a man named Belzer. He had four sons. P'urther down 
was the Adam Bent house, one of the oldest houses in the district 
today, and below that, near the water, was the Phinney house. Mr. 
Cuddy lived south of the 'Old Road,' and near the Blake nouses lived 
Abel Hayden and Nathaniel Hayden. 




BIRD HOUSE. 



" Near P^irst Street, at the foot of K Street, Mr. Deluce kept a 
fish store about 1830, and he got up nice fish dinners for driving 
parties. P3phraim Dodge kept a hotel at the end of Hobbs Lane and 
nearby was a bowling alley. 

" Of the residents on Emerson Street, Romanus Emerson was 
probably best known. He was a hard working old farmer. Squire 
Harrington lived near his friend Emerson. Other residents in * The 
Village ' were the Deluces, well known, one of whom was the first 
undertaker in South Boston, and Mr. Briggs lived in a handsome house 
on Hobbs Lane." 



HISTORY OV SOUTH BOSTON. 



143 



Mr. James Wood, two years before his death, reviewed briefly, for 
the writer. South Boston as it was in 1824. 

" There were scarcely two hundred buildings in the district at that 
time" he said. "On Fourth Street, between the bridge and G Street, 
there were about fifty houses in all, but three above Dorchester Street. 
On Broadway there were only fourteen houses from Turnpike Street to 
I Street. On A Street there were ten houses; on B Street five, on C 
Street three, on D Street two, on E Street three, one of the latter 
called Foye's block. F Street had one house, that at the northeast 
corner of Broadwav. It was known as the Williams house. 




ADAM BENT HOUSE. FOURTH. NEAR Q STREET. 

(Built in 1810.) 

" On Dorchester Street, north side, there were about ten houses, 
mostly occupied by ship carpenters. Squire Woodward's house on east 
side of Dorchester Street, between Broadway and Fourth Street has 
since been moved and is now on East Fourth Street to the west of the 
Bird school, between Dorchester and G Streets. 

"On Emerson Street, (the Old Road) was ' The Village.' Between 
Dorchester and I Streets there were about five houses ; between I and 
K ten, now mostly rebuilt ; the last one to be destroyed was the Har- 
rington house, opposite the old Hawes church. 



144 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



" A little west of the Harrington house was the home of Romanus 
Emerson after whom the street was named. Then there was the house 
of Job Souther. 

" On Fourth Street, south side, between V and O Streets, was the 
house of Adam Bent and then there was Mr. Phinney's on O Street. 
Mr. Belzer occupied the third of this cluster of houses. Beside the 
Bent, Belzer and Phinney houses there was but one other east of K 
Street, that of Samuel Blake, corner of Broadway and P Street. About 
1825 three or four houses were built south of the ' Old Road,' near L 
Street. 




r5?\Ni^aPi^9l!feiK-'3«V'aSl«t2-*i«Sit*:'- 



ST. AUGUSTINE S CHAPEL AND CEMETERY IN !828 

" There was a little fort, bounded by P and O Streets, Second and 
Third Streets, known as ' The Battery.' It seems a pity that this 
should not have been preserved. 

"The principal industries at that time were iron and glass work 
and ship building. There were four glass factories, two flint, one 
crown, and one bottle glass. Ship building was a leading industry. 
Wheelwright's, at the foot of Dorchester Street, was one of the largest. 
Capt. Noah Brooks was the superintendent. There were many fine 
ships built there, one of which, the Henry Lee, I saw launched about 
1827 or 1828. 

" Pater on there was another shipyard west of P^ourth Street, near 
the bridge, where William Stetson built many fine vessels, the largest 



HISTORY OF SOUTH 1;OSTON. 



145 



of which was the .shi}) Tarquin, 500 tons. In later }ears there was the 
yard of the Briggs brothers, at the foot of F Street, where were built a 
large number of fine vessels, one of which, the Southern Cross, was a 
noted one in her day. Mr. Briggs afterward removed to K Street. 

"The Dunhams, Josiah, Sr. and Jr., did a big bu.siness at rope 
making. Their establishment was a large one near C Street. 

" In my early days I remember three school-houses, two primaries, 
one kept by Mrs. Cole, near the bridge, and later removed to Fourth, 
between B and C Streets. The other primary school was that kept by 
Mrs. Thayer, one of whose sons became a noted I'niversalist minister. 
The grammar school was the Hawes' school. 

" Noted men of that time, besides those mentioned, were Jeremy 
Drake, who, I think, was connected with the P>anklin bank, and 
Deacon Alvan Simonds, for many years cashier of the Mechanics 
National bank, when it was located in South Boston. 




^:'^. ':k.:.h^ 




CUTTING DOWN LEEK HILL. 



"Cotton & Hill's chain factory started business about 1830 and 
was located corner of Third and F Streets. 

" In the old school days we used to enter the primary school and 
after going through there would be promoted to the fourth grade of the 
Hawes' grammar school. There were four classes in one room, and of 
these the first class was divided into two divisions. Entering the 
fourth class the pupil advanced to the third, then the second, then the 
second division of the first class, and finally to the first division, and 
then graduated. 

" Children were not allowed to attend the Hawes' school until the 
age of seven, and boys were not admitted after fourteen and girls not 
after fifteen. 



1^.6 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

" Graduating from the Hawes' school next came the high school. 
Very fine, intelligent scholars were graduated from there. 

" From the schoolroom in the old Hawes' school, in those days, 
we had an unobstructed view away out to Washington Village, no build- 
ing intervening except St. Augustine's chapel, in the cemeter)." 

There were but two physicians in South Boston previous to 1830, 
which may be an indication that the health of the people was quite 
good. They were Dr. James Clark, who lived near the Heights, and 
Dr. Ebenezer Stevens, who kept an apothecary store on P^ourth Street, 
near the Turnpike. 

Of the carpenters, or housewrights, as they were then called, wdio 
did much in erecting the houses in South Boston, there were William 
Andrews, Luke Ashley, Daniel Bradford, George Carpenter, Ivory 
Churchill, Seth Cole, Francis Deluce, Lewis Fairbanks, Lewis Gardner, 
John Hanson, Joseph Harris, Henry Hayden, Royal Oliver, Stephen 
H. Pierce, Benjamin Pike, Jacob Pike, Levi Pike, William Robinson, 
William Ross, P^benezer Sherman, Matthew Sprague and Daniel 
Tisdale. 

John Deluce was the first undertaker in the district. 

Josiah L. C. Amee, with the title of General, was a sailmaker, and 
a brother-in-law of Josiah Dunham. He was chief of police of the town 
at one time and lived on Broadway, opposite to what is now Station 6. 
Rev. John L. Blake, pastor of St. Matthew's church, lived on Broadway, 
was a member of the school committee in 1829, and published several 
school books. Joseph Holbrook was a master builder and did a big 
business. Seth Stowell was toll gatherer at the south bridge and his 
was a familiar face to people of South Boston. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

South Boston, 1830 to 1850. 

Rapid increase in population in the twenty years — Several streets extended — Xevv survey 
of streets made — Old Colony railroad incorporated and the first depot built in South 
Boston — Change of location granted for the depot and a railroad bridge built across 
the channel — Evan's bridge — Hawes' school estaldished — South Boston Samaritan 
Society — Lyceum hall — Mt. Washington hotel — Line of coaches to the city — 
Hotel property becomes the Perkins Listitution for the Blind — Early banks, some 
of which fail after brief existence — Pulaski Guards — Mattapan Literary Associ- 
ation — South Boston becomes a ward by itself — Agitation started for the removal 
of the city institutions — South Boston neglected by the city government occasions 
strong feeling among the inhabitants — Mass meeting held — Memorial to the city 
government setting forth the needs of the district — Improvements begun as a result 
of this memorial — Introduction of water — Streets levelled and paved. 

SOUTH Boston's population increased rapidly between 1830 and 
1850. Numbering about 2,200 in the former year there were 

13,309 inhabitants at the beginning of the last half of the nine- 
teenth century, equal to an increase of 505 per cent. 

Shortly after the opening of the North Free Bridge, residents from 
the city flocked to South Boston in large numbers. These included 
business men, men of wealth, and those who wished to retire to private 
life, as well as large numbers of workingmen. 

With the increase in the number of foundries and manufactories 
the employees desired to live nearer their work and accordingly removed 
to South Boston, making their homes near the Turnpike. From the 
South l^ridge to C Street was the most thickly settled portion of the 
peninsula and here also were the stores in great variety. 

In 1 83 1, Second Street, which was but a .short street from the 
Turnpike to B Street, was ordered extended to Dorchester Street by 
the Board of Aldermen. This required considerable work as the ex- 
tension was only to be made by filling in the water and it was not until 
1836 that the street was laid out and graded its entire length. 

As the years passed on it became evident that the builders of 
houses were encroaching, more and more, upon the highways, as origin- 
ally laid out. In 1837, accordingly, a committee was appointed by the 
•city government to make a new survey to conform as near as possible 
to the original plan of Mr. Withington. 

Stephen P. Fuller and Alexander Wadsworth were employed as 
the surveyors and completed their work in 1841. Their survey proved 
that the fears were well grounded and that encroachments had been 
made upon the public streets in almost every part of South Boston 
where buildings or fences had been put up. It was also found that the 



148 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



original location of some of the streets had been materially changed^ 
particularly in the distances between the streets crossing Broadway 
between A and ¥ Streets, and in the northerly termination of Firsts 
Second, Third and Fifth Streets, and the easterly termination of A 
Street. In 1844 the cit)' marshal notified nineteen individuals or cor- 
porations east of Dorchester Street and eighty-six west of Dorchester 
Street of such encroachments, and informed them that the city would 
claim full right to remove them from the premises whenever found 
necessary to do so, in order to complete the streets. 



( prAi? ; 







PLAN OF SOUTH BOSTON IN 1846. 



About 1843 First Street was extended from between A and B 
Streets to E Street. 

The South Bridge had for many years demonstrated its value and 
in 1849 the channel on the South Boston side, for about 200 feet was 
filled in and a few years afterward similar filling 'in was accomplished 
on the Boston side. 

In 1844 the act of incorporation of the Old 'Colony Railroad pro- 
vided that the road should terminate in South Boston. For a short 
time, thereafter, the depot was in South Boston, on the Turnpike^ 
nearly back of what is now the house of Engine Company 15. 



IIISr()]v\' OK SOUTH BOSTON. 



149 



This, however, did not please the corporation, and in ICS45, they 
petitioned for leave to construct a bridge across the water and to have 
a passenger depot on the Boston side. This met with considerable 
opposition. The people of Roxbury, fearing that a railroad bridge 
across the channel would interfere with navigation to their wharves, 
protested, as did also a few of the South J^oston people who believed 
that the location of the depot in their district improved business. 

But the petitioners won against the opposition and in 1845 the 
railroad was authorized to build the bridge and work was commenced 
at once on the structure. The length of the bridge was 290 feet, width 
of draw 32 feet, and of sufficient width for two tracks. The cost was 
$14,000. 

For many years after the build- 
ing of the new depot in Boston, the 
old depot in South Boston was used 
only for freight. 

From 1848 to 1856 there was a 
bridge at the western end of South 
Bay, crossing from South Boston, at 
the railroad crossing, over to the 
South End. It was known as Evan's 
Railroad Bridge, or Mt. Hope rail- 
road. The city government desired 
to fill in many acres of flats at the 
South End, and the contract to sup- 
ply the gravel was made with William 

Evans, who built the bridge. It was a pile structure, nearly a mile in 
length and had two draws for the passage of vessels. 

The Mount Washington Female Institute was founded in May, 
1835, by Mrs. Burrill, with a view of providing a place where young 
ladies rnight obtain a liberal education at a moderate rate. The 
number of pupils who attended the first term was 49. It was under 
the charge of Mrs. Burrill, aided by several female assistants. 

The course of education pursued by the young ladies of the 
institute was extensive, comprehending all those attainments which 
were found necessary, useful, and ornamental in society. 

The seminary and boarding house were situated on Mt. Washing- 
ton, Broadway, between G Street and the Institution for the Blind. 

The rapid increase in population, and the gradual sjireading out 
of the houses, soon made it imperative to establish another public 
school. The Hawes School had very large classes. 

In 1840, accordingly, a branch school was established, named the 
Mather School, and, under Mr. Jonathan Battles, Jr., and women 
assistants, occupied Franklin Hall until the new school building was 
built. This building was completed in 1842, at a cost of $21,314.80 
and was named in memory of the well known Mather family. 1 he 




MRS BURR'LLS YOUNG LADIES' SEM'NARY- 



I^O HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

school is Still Standing on Broadway, between B and C Streets, but 
the name recently has been changed to Parkman School. 

The leading military organization in the district, for many years, 
was the Pulaski Guards. It was chartered in March, 1836, and the 
first captain was Col. J. L. C. Amee. The name of the company was 
later changed to "Mechanics Greys," but in 1841 resumed the old 
name. 

In 1838 the Mt. Washington Hotel was built and opened by 
several wealthy men of the city, who thought they foresaw in South 
Boston the aristocratic section of the city, and thought there was good 
speculation in a hotel on a magnificent scale. Mr. John Ford was 
manager. The Warren Association, as this syndicate was called, 
commenced running a line of coaches from the Old State House to the 
hotel, charging twenty-five cents fare which was soon reduced to six 
cents. Previous to this P^phraim Dodge had a line of coaches to the 
city, the first run from the district. But when the Warren Association 
reduced the fare and placed on additional coaches, Mr. Dodge had to 
discontinue. 

But the hotel did not pay, money was lost, and the building became 
the property of the Perkins Institution for the Blind, previously located 
on Pearl Street. 

The line of coaches was sold to Samuel D. Blood in 1840, who 
added two more omnibuses and carried on the business until 1842 when 
it was sold to Jonas C. Gipson. Mr. Gipson soon associated with him 
Horace Hammond and they increased the business so that they soon 
had twenty coaches, employed forty men, and kept one hundred and 
five horses. Trips were made every five minutes from the office near 
I Street to Cornhill. It was called the White Line, owing to the color 
of the coaches, and the fare was fixed at six cents. 

The Franklin and Lafayette Banks that had been in existence 
but a few years failed in 1837. The year before these failures the 
Mechanics Bank commenced business in a brick building at the corner 
of A and Fifth Streets, soon erected a building at the corner of Broad- 
way and the Turnpike, and continued here for many years. 

The Lafayette Bank was first at the corner of Plfth and A Streets, 
near the 'Purnpike. Soon it mo\ed to the ct)rner of P'ourth Street and 
the Turnpike where it remained until it went out of business. 

The two boards of the city government were the Board of Alder- 
men and the City Council, twelve of the former and forty-eight of the 
latter. 

The first charitable organization on a large scale was the South 
Boston Samaritan Society, organized October 19, 1842, by several of 
the leading women of the district. They met in Brooks Hall and 
sought to relieve all the suffering poor of the district. Mrs. Samuel 
Hill was the first president and the membership varied from forty to 
fifty. 



msroRv op^ SOUTH boston. 



i^i 



'^ ^: 




152 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Another hall was added to those of South Boston. Lyceum Hall 
was built at the corner of E Street and Broadway in 1845, and one 
half of the street floor was occupied for many years, by \V. H. Tilden, 
dry goods, and the other half was occupied by the South Boston Sav- 
ings Bank. 

The first efforts to organize a good association for young men, 
w^ith literary as well as social objects, was consummated in 1848 by the 
establishment of the Mattapan Literary Association. The organization 
was perfected. May 23, and there were elected as officers, Daniel B. 
Curtis, president ; George S. Dexter, vice-president ; Benjamin Pope, 
secretary : and Stephen W. Goodhue, treasurer. The society flourished 
for many years and was productive of much good for the young men. 
1;.:..:^ In 1838 South Boston became a ward by itself. It had previously 
been a part of Ward 12, the other portion being in the South End. 
In 1838 all of South Boston became Ward 12. It then had 712 voters. 




BANK NOTE OF FRANKLIN BANK 



From the very establishment of the cit}' institutions and the loca- 
tion of the same in South Boston, the residents regretted that they 
were there. The erection of the House of Correction, the Lunatic 
Asylum, House of Reformation, and House of Industry, followed one 
close upon the other. 

Soon, however, when the city had purchased Deer island, the 
South Boston citizens succeeded in ha\'ing the House of Industry 
removed thence. 

During this important period in the history of South Boston, the 
people of the district felt, as those in after years and even at the 
present time, that they were not being treated fairly by the city govern- 
ment. The population was rapidly increasing, South Boston's propor- 
tion of the tax levy was growing larger, and throughout it all numerous 
complaints were made of the condition of the streets, and lack of public 
parks. 



HIST()R\ OF SOUTH BOSTON. 1 53 

In 1847 ^ public meeting was called and held in one of the halls 
of the district. The needs of the district were considered and thoroughly 
discussed, the neglect of the city government to properly attend to the 
necessities of South Boston was referred to, and it was finally decided 
to memorialize the city government. A committee of representative 
and influential citizens was appointed to draw up the memorial and 
were instructed to emphasize the many needs of the district and the 
importance of that section to the city of Boston. 

The committee held several meetings and finally completed its 
work. The document was a ponderous affair, and when presented to 
the city council that body ordered that 750 copies be printed. 

The following was the memorial : 

South Bostox Memorial i\ 1847. 

To his Honor the Mayor, the Ali/crnioi, and the Connnon Council of the 

City of Boston : 

The undersigned, members of a committee appointed by a public 
meeting of the inhabitants of ward 12, ask leave to respectfully represent : 

That the peninsula, formerly called Dorchester Neck, and now called 
South Boston, contains a population of 12,000 which is rapidly increasing 
in numbers and in wealth, and which, judging the future by the past, will 
reach 30,000 in ten years, and 100,000 in twenty-five years : 

That it has eight churches, two grammar and seventeen primary 
schools, besides private seminaries ; a lyceum, bank and insurance office, 
also wharves, shipyards, factories, foundries, c\:c : 

That it has real and personal property valued at $6,000,000 upon 
which was paid the last year a tax of $31,000, and which is estimated at 
$40,000 for the current year : 

That it has a superficial area as great as was that of the old town of 
Boston : 

That it has not only the capacity, but the actual material necessary 
for a separate and independent municipal existence : 

That it has no natural connection with, much less any necessary de- 
pendence upon, the city of Boston, being separated from it by a deep and 
navigable channel : 

That its municipal union with the city is merely arbitrary and politi- 
cal, for the continuance of which there can be no good reason except 
reciprocity of advantages : 

That'heretofore most of the advantages of the union have been reaped 
by the city of Boston proper, while the disadvantages have fallen to South 
Boston : 

That it has paid a considerable portion of the city taxes, such as those 
for widening, paving and lighting the streets, without anything like an ade- 
quate return of benefits from the city expenditures : 

That it seems to have been considered, as foreign possessions are too 
frequently considered, a convenient appendage from which the central 
government might derive profit in various ways : 

That it has sometimes been treated as the Botanv Bav of the city, into 



154 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



which could be thrust those establishments which the city fathers would 
consider nuisances in the neighborhood of their own private dwellings, such 
as almshouse, prisons and small pox hospitals : 

i'hat several measures of great public importance are now and long 
have been called for, which the city government will not allow the in- 
habitants of South Boston to adopt, and which it neglects to adopt itself, 
such as opening streets and establishing official "levels " for buildings: 

That justice to the present and to the future inhabitants of this beau- 
tiful peninsula, demands that there should be a change either in its muni- 
cipal relation with the city of Boston proper, or in the policy which has 
hitherto characterized that relation. 

In support of which representations, we would respectfully ask your 
attention to the facts and considerations set forth in the following 

Memdrial. 

This peninsula, equal in size and beauty to its more fortunate rival, 
Trimount, was the ancient Mattapan of the Indians, and was regarded 
with peculiar favor by those simple children of the forest who looked for 
natural beauty and sweet springs and sunny slopes, rather than facilities 
for fortifications and advantages for commerce. 

Boston soon began to covet this fair pasturage, and a contest arose, 
and the weaker went to the wall, and Boston treated the sons of Dorches- 
ter as their fathers had treated the Indians, and Dorchester Neck became 
South Boston. May that name be lasting, and may it never be that even 
handed justice shall call upon our children to bestow another and more 
appropriate one. 

********* 

It was not until 1826 that leave was obtained to build the new free 
bridge, by which they could get more directly to the centre of the town, 
nor would it have been obtained even then, if the interests of many of the 
towns lying along the south shore had not called for it. 

The bridge was built in 1828 by the owners of the land in South 
Boston and by residents there, and by them presented to the city. 

The opening of this communication showed at once all the natural 
advantages and facilities of the western part of this peninsula, for in a few 
years it was covered with houses, stores and factories, and the population 
increased six-fold in a short time. Equally apparent were the good effects 
upon other parts of the city property, adjacent to the point of junction. 
The nuisances of Sea Street disappeared, and upon the marsh of the South 
Cove sprang up, as by magic, streets and houses. 

But during the twenty-five years in which the energies of South Boston 
had been cramped, and her growth stunted, what efforts had to be used, 
what obstacles to be encountered, what defeats sustained, before a measure 
so consistent with sound policy and plain justice could be carried. If any 
one should now question whether the best interests of the whole city, as 
well as of South Boston, had been promoted by this measure, he would be 
considered as insane. Nevertheless at this moment another avenue to the 
city, farther east than the old ones, begins to be called for by the same 
sound policy and even justice which called for them ; but in order to obtain 
it, the same battles are to be fought, the same defeats sustained, and the 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. I 55 

same delays encountered, before there will be what there must finally be — a 
complete union between the two peninsulas and a disappearance of the 
intervening Hats. 

During the period of twenty-tive years which elapsed between the open- 
ing of the old and the new, avenue, the population of this peninsula went 
on slowly increasing rather in spite of its municipal connection with the 
distant town than in consequence of it. Indeed the inhabitants had little 
to remind them of their dependence upon Boston except the inconvenience 
arising from the want of local authorities to regulate their local affairs, and 
the annual visit of the town officers, in the shape of assessors of taxes. 

While they were paying their full proportion of taxes for widening and 
paving, and lighting and watching the streets of the city proper, their own 
streets were not only uncared for, but they were not even accepted by the 
city. At some seasons they were almost impassable on account of the mud, 
and they were lighted only by the moon and stars at night. Most of what 
was done for them was by voluntary contributions among the inhabitants, 
who in one season paid about $1,500 for this purpose, in addition to paying 
their proportion for keeping the streets of the city in such a pleasing con- 
trast with their own. 

******* * 

But it was not alone in respect to streets, that the inequality of taxation 
was felt by the inhabitants of South Boston; they paid their share for the 
expense of common sewers, for removing oft'al from houses, for the police, 
for the night w^atch, etc., of the city, without any direct benefit therefrom 
for themselves. It is estimated that about the period to which we have 
alluded, viz. 1S30, the city was really indebted to South Boston in the sum 
of $ 100,000 for taxes paid by her, and for which the city has made no re- 
turn. 

We might cite other cases of impartiality and injustice toward us. But 
we are not inclined to dwell upon this unpleasant part of the history of our 
union, and pass to the period succeeding the opening of the new bridge, 
during which the policy of the city has been less illiberal, though still far 
from impartial towards South Boston. 

At the beginning of that period the population of South Boston 
amounted to about 2,500; in a few years it had doubled; in 1840 it reached 
6,176; in 1S45 it was 10,020, having increased sixty-two per cent, in five 
years; and at this moment it is doubtless over 12,000. Nor is this popula- 
tion such as is generally found on the outskirts of a large city. It is not 
the scum thrown out from the purer material. The peninsula, being separ- 
ated entirely from the city proper by water, and not having as yet any 
avenue of access from its centre to the busy marts of commerce, was 
not sought by those men alone who lived from hand to mouth, and wanted 
only a temporary lodging place, but also by a class of intelligent and re- 
spectable persons of narrow means, but independent spirits, who wished to 
dwell in their o\vn houses, and have elbow room about them, and pure air 
to breathe, and a wide prospect to enjoy. There are at this time over 1300 
dwelling houses in South Boston, and a very large proportion of them are 
owned by their occupants, a larger proportion, probably, than can be found 
in any other ward of the city. With the exception of the part nearest the 
bridge, South Boston, indeed, looks like a thickly settled town in the in- 
terior of New England. 



1^6 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

In the whole of the population there is not a single colored family, and 
not so many foreigners as in several other wards of the city. The foreign- 
ers who reside here, are, for the most part, of that better class who live not 
in cellars, or congregate closely together in order to keep each other 
warm. 

Many of our inhabitants have not only their homes, but their business 
upon the peninsula. The amount of capital actually invested in manufac- 
turing establishments alone, is estimated at nearly $1,500,000, which pro- 
duces annually the following amount of goods : 

Iron castings ...... $600,000 



Machinery 
Chain cables . 
Glassware 
Chemicals and dru2:s 



375'Ooo 

go,ooo 

100,000 

250,000 

These employ nearly 1,000 workmen. Then there is shipbuilding and 
■other important branches of industry carried on here. 

The oificial valuation of property for taxation in South Boston was : 

In 1845, on Real Estate . . $3,249,800 

" " " Personal Estate . 557,200 Total, $3,807,000 

" 1846, " Real Estate . . 4,127,100 

" " " Personal estate . 629,100 Total, $4,756,200 

and the valuation for the current year is estimated by competent persons 
at above $5,600,000. 

However, the mere material prosperity of a place is no test of its real 
worth, and we would lay most stress upon what we really believe to be true, 
that South Boston has been sought as a residence by a very respectable 
class of persons, rather in spite of the policy which the city government 
has pursued with regard to the place, than in consequence of it. 

*** '^********- 

We have dwelt upon the illiberality and unfairness of the policy of the 
city of Boston toward South Boston, and we have pointed out some 
instances of it. We have said what we firmly believe, that if the policy of 
the past is to be the policy of the future, it will be better for the inhabi- 
tants of this peninsula to administer their own municipal government, since 
they best understand their own wishes and interests. But we have said all 
these things more in sorrow than in anger. We yield to none of our fellow 
citizens in civic patriotism, we are proud of the name of Bostonians, we 
desire ever to deserve and to bear it, and we hope and trust that the 
reasonable requests that we make may be granted. These are : 

Eirst. That our streets may be graded, and their levels be officially 
given at once, so that if a man builds a house, and it be afterward under- 
mined, or buried up by public authority, he may claim damages, as do those 
whose land is taken to widen streets in the city proper: 

Second. That our principal streets be paved or macadamized so that 
they may be in decent condition for travel at all seasons, and that measures 
be taken to remedy the deplorable condition of the sidewalks in front of 
the lands of non-residents : 

Third. That there shall be expended annually in South Boston for 
paving and lighting streets, for day and night police, for schools, and other 



IlISTURN' OK SOUTH BOSTON. I 57 

things of public interest, a sum equal in proportion to the taxes paid by 
South Boston into the city treasury for such purposes. 

Fourth. 'I'hat pure water be introduced into our streets at the same 
time and in the same manner as it is to be into the city proper. 

These things we think we have a right to ask as mere matters of com- 
mon justice, and there are others which we would ask for considerations of 
public utility, convenience, ornament and health. 

We might urge even the motive of pecuniary gain, for, certainly if the 
city means to maintain jurisdiction over this peninsula, it should try to 
rerider it an eligible residence for hundreds of the valuable citizens who 
are every year removing their families to neighboring towns. It should 
strive to hasten the time when it shall be fully settled, and to have for 
settlers substantial tax-paying citizens. Among the measures which will 
promote all these objects, and which we earnestly desire to see adopted 
without delay, are : 

First, 'rhat one or more public squares be laid out, and properly 
ornamented. 

Second. That the streets be opened through the large tract of land 
now shut up by the city. 

We will not waste time in urging the utility of public scpiares. The 
history of every populous city that has provided them, or neglected to do 
so, shows this so plainly that every schoolboy knows it. Now is the time 
to do it in South Boston, or never. The land can be had very cheap, 
perhaps it can be had for less than its present market value, because by 
laying out squares, the city would increase the value of the lots surrounding 
them. We are certain that if South Boston had an independent municipal 
government, one of the first things would be to provide public squares, and 
to ornament them with trees. 

It would be most agreeable to the inhabitants of South Boston, and we 
are sure it would eventually be a subject of pride and pleasure to every 
citizen, to have one of the hills so well known as Dorchester Heights, made 
use of as one of the Reservoirs for the water which is to be brought into the 
city. The water would not rise quite so high as the top of the western 
hill, but a circular reservoir might be constructed around the summit, which 
would stand in its centre, a beautiful islet, and which might be reached by 
light bridges on the four sides. This islet would furnish a most delightful 
walk, from which could be enjoyed an extensive prospect of almost match- 
less beauty — a complete panorama embracing a great variety of natural 
scenery. If the reservoir was encircled by a carriage drive, with footpaths 
on the outside, and the whole hill tastefully ornamented with trees, it 
would form such a combination of natural and artificial beauty as few cities 
in the world can boast. 

It is highly desirable, also, that a square should be reserved in the 
eastern part of the peninsula. We would suggest that a site for a grammar 
school, which will certainly be needed in a few years, should be now selected 
and secured while land is cheap. We would wish to see one of such dimen- 
sions as to give, what every schoolhouse should have, but not one in Boston 
possesses, a large playground surrounding the building. This would secure 
for it a free circulation of aii, would protect it from the noise and bustle of 
the streets, and would afford to the pupils a place for exercise and recrea- 



158 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

tion, while it would be an ornament and advantage to the whole neighbor- 
hood. 

We shall say little about opening the streets through the land which 
the city now keeps enclosed, because it is a case which speaks for itself. 

Even if the institutions are to remain always where they are there is 
no necessity for the streets being stopped. There is no reason for holding 
sixty acres of land as a garden for paupers, when one acre of it would 
sell for enough to buy a whole farm in one of the neighboring towns. 

The city would not allow a private individual to hold a single acre of 
land, and therebv interrupt even a small street, when the public good 
called for its being opened, and surely it should not itself hold sixty acres 
and block up six large streets, without a strong and obvious necessity for 
so doing. 

Finally, we would respectfully and earnestly ask the city authorities 
who possess the power of exercising such an immense influence upon the 
future condition of this peninsula, to consider that the time is at hand when 
its now open fields will be covered with houses — that the generation is born 
that will make it a populous town — and to take such measures for promot- 
ing the prosperity, salubrity and beauty of the place as in their wisdom 
they may And most expedient. Cranston Howe, S. G. Howe, Larra 
Crane, D. Nickerson, H. Montgomery, Samuel S. Perkins, C. J. F. 
Allen, Isaac Adams, Seth Adams, Joseph Smith. 

Immediately after the memorial was presented to the City Coun- 
cil, that body took very favorable action. In 1848 $1,500 was appro- 
priated for a sewer in Dorchester and Second Streets, and the follow- 
ing year $ 1,400 was expended for a sewer, in Broadway and Fourth 
Street. 

Within ten years great improvements have been made, in streets, 
sewers, parks and otherwise. The southerly fort, on what was called 
Dorchester Heights, was piuxhased by the city for Si 12,000 and laid 
out for the use of the public forever. 

Before 1850, as a result of the memorial, Turnpike Street had 
been paved from Fourth Street to the North Free Bridge; Fourth 
Street was paYed from B to C Streets and later was paved the remainder 
of the way from Turnpike to Dorchester Streets. Work was begun on 
Broadway, in 1850, and paved from B to D Streets and the year fol- 
lowing from E to Dorchester Streets, in 1852 from D to E Streets and 
also from Turnpike to B Streets and in 1853 from Dorchester to K 
Streets. 

In 1849 Fourth Street was widened from Dorchester to G Streets 
at an expense, for land damages, of $4,089.20. 

Plans were made for a new school, above Dorchester Street, and 
the Lincoln School was established in 1859. 

Until 1849 the water used in South Boston was taken from wells 
and other similar sources. In 1 849 water began to be taken from the 
Cochituate works. The water was brought across the south bridge in 
an iron pipe, laid on a foundation of earth supported at the sides by 



HISTOKN OK SOUTH BOSTON. 1 59 

piles and planks, as far as the harbor Hne. Under the water it was 
supported in a wooden box resting" on piles, until it reached the channel, 
when it was carried in an inverted syphon, twenty inches in diameter, 
with perpendicular ends, and embedded in the hard bottom of the 
channel. From the channel it was conducted to the reservoir on Dor- 
chester Heights hill, and then distributed to all parts of the district. 

The reservoir was on the east side of Thomas park. The walls 
were of puddled embankment, lined inside with granite rubble, and 
the bottom paved with paving stones. It resembled in shape a seg- 
ment of an ellipse, measuring, at its widest part, 370 feet and 260 feet 
at the narrowest. It had a capacity of 7,50cS,246 gallons. The top of 
the dam was about 125.86 feet above tide marsh level and the bottom 
of the reservoir, 105.35 feet. 

On the introduction of water, through this reservoir, Nov. 20, 
1849, there was a public demonstration. Thousands gathered upon the 
hills, where a salute was fired by the Washington Guards, singing by 
the school children, and an address by Mayor Bigelow. 

When the water made its first appearance there was one continu- 
ous shout of joy from the thousands who witnessed it, the cannon 
boomed and there was tremendous excitement. 

The portion of the hill not occupied by the reservoir, was .shortly 
afterward levelled and made into a park, called Thomas park after Gen. 
Thomas of Revolutionary fame. 

It was soon beautified with grass plots, gravel walks, shade trees 
and enclosed with an iron fence. It has since been one of Boston's 
most delightful parks and commands a view that cannot be excelled in 
the entire country. The recent erection of a monument thereon has 
added to the enjoyment of the place and it is hoped has made secure 
from destruction this greatest of all Boston's historic landmarks. 



CHAPTER XXII. 
Reminiscen'ces, 1830 TO 1850. 

Great activity after War of 1812 — Rapid growth — The Battery — First Catholic under- 
taker — City Institutions — Burning of SS. Peter and Paul's church — Recollections 
of Edward A. Perkins — William Cain's recollections of 1830 to 1850 — Other facts 
concerning that period — Business men of 1850 — Residences on Broadway — Ger- 
rish's brick yard — City Point hotel — Popular festivities — Reflections of James 
Burns — Benjamin 1!. Whittemore on " South Boston in 1840." 

ACTIVE, indeed, were the residents of South Boston, particularly 
during the fifty years immediately following the war of 181 2. 
All were interested in the new district, the opportunities for 
improvement were many, and these opportunities were evident to every 
one. The territory was large, yet compact, nearly surrounded by 
water, thus affording excellent advantages for boating and fishing, and 
its proximity to the city and the two bridges affording routes to reach 
either section of Boston, made it an ideal residential community. 

The district grew rapidly, the population increased, dwelling houses 
and stores and business blocks were built, manufactories and foundries 
did a flourishing business, and South Boston could not wish for greater 
prosperity. All was contentment, there was a great future for South 
Boston, and each one, in' some way or other, strove to make the district 
still more prosperous. 

Able bodied men, in fact, all men until they were forty-five years 
of age, participated in military drills. Business was the first look-out, 
then the trainings, domestic happiness was not forgotten, and the social 
life was all that the people could wish for. Although the dancing 
parties, picnics and such like pleasures were not as numerous as they 
were a half a century later, yet the socials, spelling-bees, church enter- 
tainments and society meetings were sufficient to provide recreation 
and diversion for the young people. 

There was but little of the " summer vacation " at that time ; ex- 
cursions in the harbor now and then and occasional trips into the 
country were all there was in the way of change of scene, and yet there 
was no grumbling. Work they enjoyed, and only the wealthy and mid- 
dle class indulged in the "two weeks" or more cessation from the daily 
routine. 

The military drills and trainings were generally held at the Point, 
between Sixth and Seventh Streets, where also was the "proving 
ground" for the cannon made by Alger and the other founders. These 
proving grounds were later on G Street, and within the past few years 



IIISTOKV OF SOUTH HUSTON. 



i6i 



workmen in digging for foundations found several shot that were 
probably used on these occasions. 

The Battery at the extreme Point was a })lace visited b}- hundreds 
of people, just as the Marine Park in later years, where the cool sea 
breezes could be enjoyed. The Battery was located between First and 
Third Streets and from P to O Streets. 

The neighborhood of Turnpike Street, Broad wa\', C and b'ourth 
Streets, was still the most thickly settled, antl there was much busi- 
ness carried on. There were many dwellings west of Dorchester 
Street, but east of that street there were not so many. .\t the extreme 
Point, until 1840, there were but \]\c dwellings, the Blake house, Bent 
house and Belzer house, alread}- mentioned, and also the Phinney 
house, and between ( ) and P 
Streets lived Thomas Mur- 
ray, a well known resident 
of the district, the first 
Cath o 1 i c undertaker in 
South Boston, and who also 
enjoyed the distinctic^n of 
having kept the first Catho- 
lic book store in Boston, 
that on Cornhill. 

Thomas Murray was 



born in Ireland 



1774, 




MURRAY HOUSE, 1834 
Nortn side Fourth Street, between O and P 



and arrived in Boston in 
i<Sio. He became a citizen 
of the United States in 
1 8 14 and three years later 
was enrolled as a funeral 
director in the city and con- 
tinued the business until his 
death. When St. August- 
ine's cemetery was estab- 
lished in 1 8 19, he was placed 
in charge, was sexton of St. Augustine's Chapel, and in 1834 moved to 
South Boston. The house on P'ourth Street, where he lived, was on 
land that had been purchased by Rev. F'rancis A. Matignon. It was 
intended to erect a Catholic church there, but, as the Catholic popula- 
tion did not warrant such a step, the idea was given up. The land was 
purchased August 14, 18 10, from James Blake and was on the edge of 
the Blake estate, directly adjoining the property of Jeremiah Gore. 

In 1834, when the property was purchased by Mr. Alurray, he 
erected the house which is still standing. 

The beloved Bishop Chev'erus was a particular friend of Mr. 
Murray, and frequently visited his home. In the house on Fourth 
Street, where now live the descendants of Mr. Murray, may be seen the 



i6: 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



iMshop's favorite chair, his walking cane, and also a cane that belonged 
to Rev. Father Matignon, a crib, a representation of the Nativity that 
was purchased by Bishop Cheverus when he was visiting France, and 
many other treasures are preserved there. 

The family of Thomas S. Murray, who was the son of Thomas 
Murray, now lives in the Murray homestead and highly prize the old 
home and its precious contents. An old circidar that has remained in 
the house, probably since it was published in 1829 by Mayor Otis, shows 
the peculiarity of some of the city ordinances of that time. It is a 
small piece of pajier that was generally posted throughout the city and 





-'-•;;': ;'|!f^u?4^k^^ 




m 


1 : . V-.XJ*. •■ J '■ - ' •.' ifsa^ 





HOUSE OF REFORMATION AND HOUSE OF CORRECTION IN 1840. 




HOUSE OF INDUSTRY, Now used for storage purposes. 



reads as follows: "Any person smoking cigars in the streets is liable to 
a penalty of two dollars. These regulations will be rigidly enforced. 
Boston, October 15, 1829. Signed, H. G. Otis, Afajor." 

Writing home to a friend in Ireland, in 1838, a South Boston girl 
thus referred to the Hawes' school : "The Hawes' school now is No. i. 
It is above all the city schools. They have privileges granted to them 
which no other school has, that is learning to .sing — a singing master 
by the name of Mr. Lowell Mason, who keeps the juvenile singing 
school in Boston. We have two piano-fortes to the school and we all 
have singing books." 



IIISTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



i6- 



The City Lands having been set off, and a liigh stockade fence 
built around it, the House of Correction was built and occupied for the 
first time, July i, 1833. The House of Reformation, near the House 
of Correction, was occupied in Januar}-, 1837, although a smaller build- 
ing was previously used. The House of Industry, the third of the 
city's buildings, completed the group near the shore. A tew 
years afterward the House for Juvenile Offenders was built on the 
lands at a point where now is East Broadwa}' and about between M 
and N Streets. 

In the summer of 1834 a Methodist Episcopal church was estab- 
lished in South Boston. The society was organized through the efforts 
of Rev. Abel Stevens, who was pastor of the Methodist congregation 
on Church Street. At first meetings were held in a private room, but 
the attendance increased so as to make it necessary to secure larger 
quarters. Harding's hall was occupied by the Society, October 31, 
1834, and in May, 1836, they moved to Franklin Hall. Here the 
meetings were held until 1 840. 

A house of worship, corner of D Street and Silver Street, was 
consecrated for divine service June 17, 1840. The seating" capacity 
was 550, but this being inadequate, the chapel was enlarged in 185 i 
and the basement raised six feet. 

Meetings were held in this chapel but a few years, the number of 

members slowdy decreasing. 
The building is now known as 
Clan-na-Gael hall. 

The Fourth Universalist 
Society was gathered together 
in April, 1830, by Rev. Benja- 
min Whittemore, and he was 
installed pastor of the first house 
of worship for that Society, 
located corner of Broadway and 
B Street, April 10, 1833. Rev. 
Thomas D. Cook was installed 
as pastor in 1 844. This Society 
was organized May 30, 1831, 
and incorporated April 19, 

The Pay son church was 

organized in July, 1845. The 

meeting-place was Broadway 

Rev. Jo}' H. Fairchild was pastor 



vvm 




FOURTH UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, 
Broadway and B Street. 



il830. 



hall, corner Broadway and B Street, 
during its twelve years' existence. 

The Free-Will Baptist Church was formed by several members of 
the South Baptist church. These members were favorable to the 
choice of Rev. Mr. Jackson as pastor of the South Baptist church in 



1 64 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



1838. The pew-holders rejected him and thus occasioned the seces- 
sion. Meetings were first held in Harding's hall, but soon a meeting- 
house was erected, corner of C and Fourth Streets, and was familiarly 
known as the "White Pines." 

In a few months Mr. Jackson gave up his Calvinistic Baptist 
principles, and became a Universalist. 

A portion of the church members then returned to the South 
Baptist congregation, while the remainder formed the first Free-Will 
Baptist church in South Boston. 

Rev. S. Robbins, of Charlestown, organized the new church, and 
Rev. R. \V. Reed was settled as pastor. 

Services were held in the chapel, corner of C and F"ourth Streets, 
for a while. The Society became reduced in numbers, and was 
extinct before 1S50. 

(3ne of the most unfortu- 
nate events, during the period 
of 1830 to 1850, was the 
burning of the SS. Peter and 
Paul's Catholic church on 
Broadway. The second Cath- 
olic church established in the 
district, for the convenience 
of the many Catholics who 
lived between the Turnpike 
Street and C Street, it was a 
large and handsome build- 
ing. In the month of Sep- 
tember, 1848, in the evening, 
fire was seen in the belfry of 
the church, and soon the en- 
tire building was in flames. 
The fire department of the 
city at the time was at a 
fire on Marsh's wharf, on 
Federal Street near Knee- 
land Street. As soon as possible engines arrived 
They reached the church fire about midnight 




SS. 



PETER AND PAUL'S CHURCH, 
Destroyed by f're, September, 



in South Boston. 
While the firemen were 
working on the Marsh's wharf fire they could see the flames in the 
steeple of the SS. Peter and Paul's church. 

PLdward A. Perkins, now one of South Boston's most respected 
citizens, was a member of Mazeppa 17, formerly Mazeppa i, and was on 
duty at Marsh's wharf fire, and hastened, with his company, to the fire 
in South Boston. He remembers distinctly the scenes of that 
eventful night, and thus recalls the memorable fire fight : 

" Bangor 6 and Roxbury 7 were at the corner of Turnpike 
Street and Broadway, about where is now the transfer station ; 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 1 65 

Suffolk I was on A Street, between l^roacKva)' and Silver Street ; 
Mazeppa 17 was on A Street, between Broadway and Athens Street, 
and Perkins 16 was on Broadway, near A Street. 

" The fire raged all night, notwithstanding the efforts made to 
prevent the entire destruction of the building, and in the morning there 
was not a stick of timber to be seen. 

"Good old Father P^itzsimmons appreciated the work of the firemen 
and passed around refreshments. 

" It was unfortunate that there was a fire in the city at the time. 
If Perkins 16, with headquarters not far from the church, had been in 
the house, a stream would quickly have been on the fire and the edifice 
would probably have been saved. Spontaneous combustion was gener- 
ally accepted as the cause of the fire, which was the worst South 
Boston had had up to that time." 

Mr. William Cains has distinct recollections of South Boston as it 
was previous to 1850. 

" As I have said before, about South Boston," said Mr. Cains, 
"there was a great industrial activity between the War of 181 2 and the 
Civil War and no section of the entire country could compete with us 
in the variety and amount of our i:)roducts. 

" As a consequence of this, also, the people removed to here in 
large numbers. In those days they came principally from neighboring 
states, from the Provinces, and there were many Germans, all good 
citizens and devoted to their district. 

"The prominent men of South Boston before 1850.^ Well, it would 
be difficult to enumerate them all, but one can never forget the Algers, 
Cyrus, Francis and Howard, nor the Dunhams, Josiah and his son 
Josiah. There was Adam Bent at the extreme Point— lived in a house 
on Fourth Street that is now standing ; and then there were the Blakes 
at the Point. John Souther was one of our most highly esteemed and 
respected citizens, — public spirited, kind, and loved by his employees. 
There was the famil}- of William Wright and another of James Wright. 
Dr. Stebbins was well known and to this day one hears of old Romanus 
Emerson who lived on Emerson Street. Col. Amy is well remembered 
by the people who lived at that time and are now living, as also the 
Whittemores, the Kenneys, Dr. Fogg, the Clinchs, James Keating who 
occupied a prominent position in the Pulaski Guards, Jeffrey Pierce, 
Col. Amasa Smith of the militia, who was a brother-in-law of Josiah 
Dunham, Alexander Pope, Squire Woodward, Hall J. How, who lived 
where the Carney Hospital is now, and who was a prominent merchant 
and connected with the bank, and the old cashier, Alvin Simonds. 
Simonds also kept a dry goods store on the Turnpike, near Fourth 
Street, next to ' Pa ' Holmes. 

" Where there is now a restaurant at the corner of Broadway and 
Dorchester Street lived a man named Rice, well known. He died 



1 66 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



there about 1837. The same house is there now, only it is raised a 

story higher and stores built underneath. 

" Jeremy Drake lived next to the Orthodox church which was at 

the corner of A Street, and 
the building is still standing. 
Next to his residence was a 
double house occupied by 
Eben Jackson and Mr. Por- 
ter. Opposite to Mr. Drakes, 
where there is now a hotel,, 
was the house of Mr. Collins. 
These were the only houses 
between A and B Streets on 
Broadway. 

"Corner of B Street and 
l^roadway, where there is now 
a furniture store, was the 
Universalist church, and next 
to it a double house owned 
and occupied by Joseph 
Haines and Solon Jenkins. 
Still further beyond was a 
double house in one part of 




CAPT. NICKERSON S RESIDENCE, 
Broadway, near F Street. 



which lived Col. Vincent, and 
Gen. Amy in the other part. 
Col. Vincent had been an 
officer in the battle of Platts- 
burg in 181 2, later was em- 
ployed in the custom house, 
and was an influential man 
in South Boston. He was 
head of the militia in South 
Boston and drilled the re- 
cruits who had to train be- 
tween the ages of 18 and 45. 

" Opposite to Col. Vin- 
cent's, and where Station 6 
is now, was the brick-making 
establishment of Thomas 
Gerrish, and it extended 
nearly to C Street. 

" Side of Gen. Amy's 
house was vacant land and then three houses extending to C Street, 
occupied by a Harris family, Capt. Cowden and Col. Smith. Harris 
lived on the corner, about 1830, but a few years later the building was 
used for the first Baptist meeting-house. In the basement of the old 




wfl|g> jm^:^.^--i£ii»iiro!i^mj\<:or. of li Street 



OSBORN HOUSE, Broadway and G Street. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



167 




n 




SPINNEY RESIDENCE, K Street 



Baptist church N. P. Mann kept a grocery store. He was also a large 

wholesale fish dealer in Boston. 

" Gerrish's house was on the corner of C Street, but later a por- 
tion of a church was brought 

from the city to that corner, 

and the Baptists occupied it 

as their second church. The 

building is still there. 

" Haskell's block was at 

the corner of D Street and 

Broadway, afterwards pur- 
chased by Mr. Brennan. At 

one time there was a school 

in the basement. What is 

now the first floor of that 

block was then the second 

floor. The street has been 

filled in. 

" Harris' block was at 

the corner of E Street and 

Broadway, opposite and on 

the same side with the Glynn building. Next to where the Monks 

building is now was a large brick block in which lived Rev. Mr. Blake, 

the Episcopal minister. 

"Capt. Fred Nickerson's 
house was on Broadway, near 
F Street, and that was re- 
moved only a few years ago 
to make way for the Bethesda 
building. It was built about 
1833 or 1834. He was a 
sea captain and a prominent 
man. His house was one of 
the finest over here. 

"The John Osborn 
house, corner of G Street and 
Broadway, was built by 
Theophilus Stover, about 
1839. Henry Souther lived 
in one portion of it and after- 
ward Mr. Osborn. 

" The Spinney house, 
corner of Eighth and K 

Streets, was built in the 50's. 

" Dr. Samuel Howes' house stood between the Twin Hills. To 

reach it one had to go up G Street and then turn into Bird Lane. It 




(%*i^ 



DR. HOWE RESIDENCE, Near Bird Lane. 



i68 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



was built by Macajah Pope, who had a large farm back of these hills. 
" The old house which stood at the corner of F Street and Broad- 
way until recently, demolished to make way for the large furniture 

store, was one of the oldest 











' 


'* 








Wi, 






f\ 




' 1 



in the district. It was an 
old landmark, built by Mr. 
Kent and afterward occupied 
by Mr. Thompson. 

"In 1840 there was 
about twenty-five houses on 
each side of West Broadway. 
There were a great many on 
Fourth Street, from the Turn- 
pike Street to Dorchester 
Street, mostly on the western 
side. 

" John Storey carried on 
a glass-cutting business 
corner Bolton and B Streets, 
and owned many houses in 
that vicinity. 

" In those days there 

were no meat or provision 

stores as there are now. 

Everybody bought such goods at the Boylston or Faneuil Hall 

markets, and then provision dealers called around at the houses once or 




THOMPSON HOUSE, F STREET AND BROADvVAY 
Erected 1840. Demolished 1900. 




RECEPTION AT THE SOUTH BOSTON HOTEL. 



twice a week. Meats were a great deal cheaper then than they are 
now. Poultry was very cheap and dairy produce also. 
[i/ ,"The people had their little socials, sometimes receptions, and 
whist parties were quite popular. There were many very nice dancing 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



169 



parties in the South Boston hotel that were attended by the leading 
people of South Boston. It was the largest hall in the district. In 
winter sleighing parties were quite popular. The neighbors would club 
together, get any kind of a sleigh, and, piling in any way, would drive 
out on the Dedham turnpike. In summer there were driving parties to 
the Cherry tavern, in Canton, and others went to Taft's, in Dedham. 

" Alpheus Stetson and his son Alpheus M. Stetson, were among 
South Boston's most respected citizens, and were engaged in the coal 
and lumber business." 




CITY POINT HOTEL. (1833.) 
East Fourth, near P Street. Razed 1897. 



In 1850, with its more than 13,000 people. South Boston had 
become an important section. Almost every kind of a store could be 
found, the citizens were of the go-ahead stamp, and all desired to par- 
ticipate in the advancement of their community. 

The district could boast of six flourishing hotels, more than it con- 
tained fifty years later. There was the South Boston hotel on Fourth 
Street, near the Turnpike, first kept by Gen. Davis, then by Col. Amee, 
and in 1850 by E. Buckham. It was probably the leading hotel in the 
district, well finished and handsomely furnished, and the scene of many 
a festive occasion. 

On the Turnpike was the Railroad house, kept by Thomas 



1 7© 



HISTORY OP' SOUTH BOSTON. 



Leavitt. A portion of the building" is still standing, near Broadway. 
Almost opposite, at the corner of Fourth Street, was the Twelfth Ward 
hotel, "Pa" Holmes' place, and this was a famous resort, particularly 
for the workingmen. 

Then there was the Fire Department hotel kept by T. Hutchinson,, 
father-in-law of young Alger, and at the Point the City Point hotel, 
first kept by Tafts and afterward by H. Walker. This was near P 
Street and had been removed from the city, corner of West and 
Tremont Streets, where it was known as the Washington Gardens. 
It was taken down in sections by Mr. Taft, father of the famous hotel 
keeper of Point Shirley. It was removed to City Point about 1833,, 
and was a famous resort for many years. 

The Golden Queen was on First Street, near K Street. 

Nine physicians looked after the health of the people, and were 
more or less prominent. Dr. C. B. O'Donnell was probably best 
known, and was a fine old gentleman. His office was corner of B and 
Fourth Streets, and at one time he lived at 16 Broadway. He was 
an excellent physician and surgeon. 

Dr. W. T. Parker lived on East Broadway, near G Street, where is 
now the residence of Dr. Ruddick. He built that house. Previous to 
coming to South Boston he was a surgeon in the British army. 

Dr. Ebenezer Stevens and Dr. John A. Stevens were at 103 
Broadway, near B Street. Dr. D. McGowan was a druggist and 
physician, and was the first to establish such a business at the corner 
of Broadway and the Turnpike, where there has since been a drug store. 

Dr. A. Alexander, father of George Alexander, now at the corner 
of Broadway and Dorchester Street, was high up in his profession and 
had an office at 146 Broadway. 

Dr. J. S. Calef was at the corner of Broadway and C Street, Dr. 
A. Southard at 130 F'ourth Street and Dr. J. H. York at 206 Broad- 
way. All the above were members of the Suffolk medical society. 

Of the carpenters and builders who erected many of the houses 
of these days, some of which are now standing, there were William 
Andrews at 68 Fourth Street, N. H. Tilden corner of D and Sixth 
Streets, Benjamin James corner of Broadway and Dorchester Street, 
J. Emerson on the Old Road, William P. Houston, Broadway near B 
Street, H. A. Kent corner of D and Sixth Streets, James Smith and 
M. Sprague on Second Street, Joseph Tobey on Second Street near E 
Street, M. Ventress on Third near Dorchester Street and D. A. Wrecks 
on Broadway near Dorchester Street. 

Apothecaries, boot and shoe dealers, coal and wood dealers, dry 
goods establishments, furniture dealers, tailors and blacksmiths were in 
sufficient numbers to accomodate the residents of the district. 

Of apothecaries there were seven. J. W. F. W^ilson was at the 
corner of Broadway and Dorchester Street until 1900. Charles ]Mead 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



171 



was the first at the corner of Turnpike and Fourth Streets and in the 
same location, in after years, were leading druggists of the district. 

Dr. McGowan kept his store at the corner of the Turnpike and 
Broadway, and the Deering Brothers were at 153 Broadway. S. W. 
Goodhue was corner of Broadway and E Street, Edward S. Hickson 
corner of Fourth and C Streets. Thomas Blasland and Radford had a 
large establishment at the corner of Broadway and D Streets. 

Retail boot and shoe dealers numbered ten. Archibald Ellms was 
the first to start the business in the district. He was at 94 Turnpike 
Street, between Fourth Street and Broadway, and was also a maker of 
boots and shoes. G. Emerson & Son also made boots and shoes at 
189 Broadway. 

Then there was Joseph Baker corner of Broadway and B Street, 
Timothy Goodwin corner Dorchester Street and Broadway, Isaac 
Groves on the opposite corner of Broadway and Dorchester Street, 
Lincoln & Burrill at 56 Turnpike Street, M. B. Newhall also on the 
corner of Broadway and Dorchester Street, John D. Newhall on Third 
Street near F Street, Julius Taylor at 122 Broadway and John Topham 
corner Broadway and Turnpike Street. 

J. W. Sullivan was the only cigar maker in the district and he did 
a big business on Turnpike Street near Second Street. 

Of coal and wood dealers there was William B. Ikooks on Second 
near C Street, Colburn & Howard's large wharf on Turnpike Street 
near the bridge, Henry Crafts on Boston wharf, George W. Merrill & 
Co. on Boston wharf and Moody & Norris on Boston wharf and Alpheus 
Stetson at the foot of I Street. 

The first dry goods store in the district was that of R. Nelson, 98 
Turnpike Street, near Fourth Street. William Trumbull came next 
and was in business at 114 Broadway. William H. Tilden was in the 
Lyceum hall building, corner of Broadway and E Street, where the 
savings bank is now, and Edwin Tilden was corner of Broadway and B 
Street. William L. Jordan kept a store corner Broadway and B Street, 
Briard & Breck at i 20 Broadway, John Kirkpatrick at 6 Broadway and 
H. Allen, corner of Broadway and Dorchester Street. 

Three furniture stores provided for the house furnishings of the 
homes of the people. They were William Andrews on Fourth Street, 
near A Street, W. C. Jenkins, corner of Broadway and the Turnpike, 
and Jonathan Pierce at 59 and 61 Turnpike. 

Provision stores had begun to start up and one of the first and 
largest was that of J. D. Richardson, corner of P"ourth and A Streets. 
Warren Kimball kept at 217 Broadway, Dodge & Co. were one of the 
first at the corner of Broadway and C Street, near the Baptist church, 
H. Hamlin, corner of Fourth and C Streets, George N. Noyes & Co., 
corner Broadway and B Street, E. Welch, at 91 Fourth Street, and 
John Welch, corner Broadway and D Street. 



172 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Four bakers were in business in 1850. C. Crafts was at the 
corner of Third and Dorchester Streets, J. D. Richardson at the corner 
of Fourth and A Streets, A. Spring at 1 8 1 Fourth Street, and Vining 
& Allen at 232 Broadway. 

E. H. Brainard, at 146 Turnpike Street, Dennis Cronan, corner of 
Turnpike and Fifth Streets, and B. Cunningham, corner of Dorchester 
and Second Streets, were the blacksmiths at that time. There was 
also J. G. Fowler, at the South l^oston bridge. Green & Davis, on First 
Street, near Turnpike Street, and S. S. Lord, Jr., corner F Street and 
Broadway. 

"Dr." Henry Humphreys was a botanic and vegetarian physician 
at 114 Fourth Street, near B Street, and his was a familiar figure on 
the streets. 

Rev. J. W. Alvord, the Congregational minister, lived at 237 
Broadway, Rev. G. W. Bosworth, the Baptist minister, at 317 Broad- 
way, Rev. Joseph W. Clinch, the Episcopal minister, at 235 Fourth 
Street, Rev. J. H. Fairchild, an Orthodox minister, resided at 260 
Fourth Street. 

Rev. Terrence Fitzsimmons, the Catholic priest of SS. Peter and 
Paul's church, lived at 35 Broadway. Other clergymen were Rev. T. 
D. Cook, at 235 Fourth Street, Rev. H. V. Degen, Fourth, near K 
Street, and Rev. G. W. Lippitt, on Broadway, near G Street. 

Mr. Hugh Montgomery was the leading lawyer of the district. 
He was a splendid man, held in high esteem by the people, very bright 
and a good lawyer. He was trustee for the Sears estate. Other law- 
yers were William B. Dorr and F. A. Lovis. 

W. D. Martin kept the only gentlemen's furnishing store and was 
also a dealer in hats and caps. 

PVederick Chemin, at 74 Turnpike Street, was the first hairdresser 
in the district, opening a shop in Mr. Leavitt's hotel in 1845. He is 
still in business at the same place and is the oldest barber in Boston at 
the opening of the 20th century. Other hairdressers were George 
Grimes, at 47 Turnpike Street, M. Morrison, on Turnpike Street, near 
First Street, E. H. Pennington, corner Broadway and E Street, and T. 
S. Water.s, at 55 Turnpike Street. 

Lumber dealers did a good business and made much money. 
They were Alpheus Stetson, at the foot of I Street, William F. Boyn- 
ton, on Boston wharf, Eaton & Diipee, also on Boston wharf, and 
Moody & Norris, on Boston wharf. William B. Brooks was at the 
corner of Second and C Streets. John P. Monks, father of Richard J. 
Monks of the present day, had a large wharf on Second, near E Street. 
Then there was C. Thurston, on Foundry, near Fourth Street, by the 
bridge. 

Of tailors and drapers there were Thomas Hammond, at 56 and 58 
Turnpike Street, H. B. Janes & Co., at 96 Broadway, and Thomas 
O'Maley, at 106 Fourth Street, near B Street. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH ]5()STON. 1 73 

There were no establishments, at that period, where hquors were 
exchisively sold, but grocery stores where West India goods in general 
were dispensed were quite numerous. There were 37 of these establish- 
ments, besides the hotels, and the principal resorts for the workingmen 
was at the Laborers' Union, corner of Fourth and C Streets, and the 
Workingmen's Protective Union No. 3, corner of Broadway and C 
Street. 

Josiah Dunham and his son, Josiah Dunham, Jr., were the only 
rope makers in South Boston and they had a large establishment on 
Fifth, near B Street. Both of the Dunhams represented the district 
in both branches on the city government, at various times. 

Mr. James Burns, for more than half a century a leading dry 
goods merchant of this city, at first in business with his father on Milk 
Street, is yet a resident of South Boston, and looks back upon his 65 
years of residence in the district with a great deal of pleasure. He 
now lives on M Street near Fmerson Street. 

" One avenue to South Boston was by Sea Street, until recently 
known as Federal Street," said Mr. Burns. " Across the free bridge 
and South Boston was reached. On the Boston side just where the 
gasometer recently stood, now covered by railroad tracks, was a little 
knoll on which were two or three houses and the windmill, from which 
it derived its name. Windmill Point. 

" At the bridge, on the South Boston side was Colburn & Howard's 
coal and wood wharf and next to that was George Thatcher's foundry, 
near the junction of Foundry Street. Then came Jabez Coney's 
machine shops, one of the biggest in the country. He made the 
boilers and machinery for the first steamer that the United States ever 
owned. 

" Along down on Foundry Street was Isaac and Seth Adams' 
machine shops, builders of sugar machinery and builders of the famous 
Adams printing press. Next to that and extending to Fourth Street 
was Alger's foundry. Cyrus Alger's house was next to that of his son 
corner of Fourth and Foundry Streets, opposite the foundry. 

" Isaac Adams lived on Broadway about opposite the church. 
Between his house and A Street was the old French block, used as a 
hat factory. 

" Cranston Howe kept a grocery store on the first floor of the 
Phillips church, corner of A Street. After the election of William 
Henry Harrison as President, Howe was appointed an appraiser in the 
Custom House, filling that position for many years. 

" In regular order, next to the church, were the residences of 
Jeremy Drake, Eben Jackson, Stephen Jenney and Jabez Coney. 
Then the second house from the present railroad bridge was the home 
of J. Fox Allen. All of these houses had gardens extending back to 
Silver Street. 

"On the opposite side of Broadway, between A and B Streets, 



174 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

was the remains of Nook Hill, as high as Phillips church. When it 
was dug away the earth was used for the filling in of Boston wharf. 

" Cains' glass factory was on B Street and it was a large estab- 
lishment, employing many hundred men. Thomas Cains and his son 
William Cains were looked upon as among South Boston's leading 
citizens. They were very wealthy, entertained in grand style and lived 
in a magnificent house. 

" On the east side of Broadway near E Street was Harrison hall 
and above that, on the corner, was Lyceum hall. Above Lyceum hall 
two brick houses were occupied by Mr. Williams and Mr. Bryant. 
Williams was a tailor and Bryant an architect. 

" Corner of Broadway and F Street was the home of Deacon Hill, 
one of the proprietors of the chain factory which was on the corner of 
F and Third Streets. At the foot of F Street was the Briggs ship- 
yard. 

" Corner of H and Third Streets was a fine building, a sort of 
anne.x to the Mt. Washington hotel. It was fitted for a billiard room 
and afterward used for ofifice purposes by the omnibus company. 

"John H. Reed and Ralph Crooker started a big rolling mill 
on First Street near the foot of I Street. For many years they did a 
tremendous business and employed hundreds of men. They paid the 
men big wages and there was no excuse then for a man to be out of 
work. Beyond that was Wheelwright's shipyard, one of the largest in 
the district. 

"From Broadway, between I and K Streets, side of where is now 
the Lincoln school. Fish Lane run down to First Street. Many fish 
dealers were in business here, and at the foot of the lane was the 
Golden Queen, kept by John Holton. 

"On Fourth Street, near the Point, was the Adam Bent house, 
still standing. Corner of P and P'ourth Streets was Samuel Blake's 
house, and on Fourth Street, near P Street, was the City Point hotel. 
Corner of O and P^ourth Streets was Mr. Well's school for boys. It 
was a preparatory school and was burned down one cold winter's night. 

"There were several handsome green-houses taking up almost the 
entire block bounded by M and N Streets from P^ourth to Fifth Streets, 
and were owned by William McCullough. 

"On Fourth Street, also, was the house of Thomas Murray, sexton 
of the St. Augustine's cemetery and church, and an undertaker. 

"The Globe nail works and Seth Wilmarth's machine shops on 
P'oundry Street employed a large number of men. Corner of P'ourth 
Street and the Turnpike was the building erected and occupied by the 
Lafayette bank until it failed in 1837, and Rev. P'r. P'itzsimmons, pastor 
of SS. Peter and Paul's church, lived there afterward and until his 
residence was built on Broadway. The bank building is now standing 
and occupied by a carriage manufactory. 

"On P'irst Street was Craft's coal yard, James M. Green, black- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



175 



smith, Patrick Lally's machine shop, Downer & Austin oil works, 
John Souther's boiler and machinery works, and the Boston Machine 
shops at the corner of Granite Street. 

" On Second Street was the old bottle house, several blacksmiths, 
Cains glass works, l^oston beer company, the camphor factory, Leonard 
& Co.'s soap factory, and several lumber yards. 

" Over the Bay View way was the government ordnance yard 
where the large guns cast by Alger were tested. On the south shore 
were several yacht builders. Hoar Brothers, Pierce Brothers, and Elisha 
Harris. 

" On Lowland Street, afterward changed to Mercer Street, was a 
large ropewalk and also the Cofifin lubricating oil company." 

Mr. Benjamin B. Whittemore has written an article in reference to 
South Boston before 1 840. 




ALGER HOUSES 



"When I entered the Hawes grammar school, about 1838, the 
schoolhouse was undergoing repairs and alterations and for some 
months sessions were held in the old lead factory building on Fourth 
Street, near E Street. When we went to the Hawes school there were 
two large rooms, an upper and lower one. While the girls were 
assembled in the writing class down stairs in the morning the boys 
were in the grammar class up stairs, and then in the afternoon they 
changed about. 

''At this period South Boston presented the appearance of a 
beautiful suburban village, Broadway being the main street, with many 
newly built residences standing in the midst of gardens more or less 
extensive, but exceedingly tempting to the youthful eye with their dis- 
play of fruits and flowers. 

" But a large portion of the territory on this street was unoccupied, 
and furnished open fields on which the boys found ample room for their 
summer and winter sports. Between Broadway and Fourth, from C to 



176 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



D Streets, there was a large pond that afforded excellent opportunities 
for skating. 

"The upper part of F'ourth Street was sparsely settled, while 
stretching along the marsh from the bridge to Dorchester was the 
Turnpike, now Dorchester Avenue, with water at high tide covering 
the space on either side. First, Second and Third Streets were laid 
out, but little built upon. 

" On the easterly side of the peninsula, First Street, was the busy 
portion with shipyards, chemical works and glass factories. 

" But the greatest change has taken place above Dorchester 
Street. F^xcept the Mt. Washington House, afterward the Perkins In- 
stitution, Mrs. Burrill's school for young ladies, a little colony near the 
Hawes church and the House of Correction on the east side, as one 
stood on the old fortifications at the Heights, there was only to be seen 
an unbroken, grassy slope, extending to Dorchester Bay, across which 
could be seen the farms in Dorchester. 

" The residence of Hall J. How, one of the handsomest in the 
district, was on an eminence not far from the forts. 

" Everybody at that time was supposed to pay strict attention to 
business six days a week and to ' go to meeting ' on the seventh. Any 
departure from an observance of the Sabbath was made the subject of 
prayerful investigation by the entire community. Vacations for adults 
were almost unknown, and children were fortunate in a four weeks' 
release from school during August. 

" The people of South Boston were mostly of the middle class of 
mechanics and shopkeepers, and, having small surplus of cash, their 
children knew little of the luxuries that mark our modern time. The 
residt was that a large number of the prosperous men and women of 
today, whose childhood was spent in this suburb, have to thank the 
industry, frugality and abstinence of those days for the health and 
vigor which they now enjoy." 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

South Boston, 1850 to 1870. 

Causes that led to the rapid increase in population — Street railway companies incorpo- 
rated — Street improvements — Additional bridges — Cias introduced — Filling in of 
flats — Engine companies — Banks, insurance company and societies — Newspapers 
— News from the South Boston (iazette of 1851 — Largest taxpayers — Shade trees 
planted — Washington Village annexed — Bay View — Mail delivery — One new 
church — Carney Hospital — Church Home — New schools. 

TWO important events in the history of Boston were largely 
responsible for the sudden and tremendous impetus given to the 
growth of South Boston, and particidarly for it taking a position 
as one of the leading sections of the great metropolis of New I^ngland. 

South Boston's most rapid growth was experienced immediately 
following the introduction of the street railway system in the district, 
and the abolition of Old Fort Hill, a few years afterward, compelled 
the residents of that thickly settled territory to make their homes else- 
where. Many of them moved to the North End, but the larger number, 
attracted by the excellent prospects in the new field of South Boston, 
were induced to make their homes in the peninsula. The bridges 
made it easy to reach the city, and, as has always been true, the 
general situation of South Boston was tempting. 

Two street railway companies were incorporated in April, 1854. 
They were the Dorchester Avenue Company and the Broadway Com- 
pany. The former was allowed to lay tracks from the Lower Mills in 
Dorchester to the foot of State Street, over Federal Street Bridge. 

The Broadway Company was empowered to construct a railway 
from South l^oston Point to Dorchester Avenue, where it was to form a 
junction with and enter upon the Dorchester Avenue Railroad. Horse 
power only was used. The capital stock of the company was $150,000 
and the city of Boston had the privilege of purchasing all the rights of 
the Company at the end of ten years after its opening, on certain con- 
ditions, and the existence of tHe corporation was limited to fifty years. 
Not more than five cents fare was allowed on either of these roads. 

This latter company did not build its road previous to 1856, and 
the following year the act was changed so as to give the company 
liberty to pass over Dover Street Bridge or Mt. Washington Avenue 
Bridge. 

Gradually the city government proceeded to give to the streets 
and sewers that attention which they had so long neglected to do. 
Before 1855 a sewer had been built in Dorchester and Second Streets, 



lyS HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

in l^roadway and Fourth Street, in the lower part of Third Street, in 
First, Second, I and H Streets, also in l^roadway, and finally in Fourth 
Street, from Dorchester to G Streets. 

Several of the streets were paved. Fourth Street was widened 
from Dorchester to G Streets, then First Street was completed from A 
to E Streets, Broadway and Fourth Street were graded. Property 
owners and abutters on Broadway and Fourth Street, from the Turn 
pike to Dorchester Street, were ordered to pave their sidewalks with 
bricks, or flat stones, and when this was not done within a specified 
time the Superintendent of Streets did the work and charged it to the 
property owners, who had failed to comply with the first order. 

In 1852 Ouincy, Gold, Silver, Athens and Bolton Streets were 
accepted by the city. 

In 1852, on the surrender of the Dorchester Turnpike as a toll 
passage way by the Turnpike corporation, the portion of it in South 
Boston, from Fourth Street to the Dorchester line, was accepted by 
the city. In 1853 the owners and abutters on Broadway, between 
Dorchester and K Streets, were directed to pave their sidewalks with 
brick or flat stones. 

Mt. Washington Avenue Bridge was completed and opened to the 
public in 1855. It was the third bridge established between Boston 
and South Boston and was built by the Boston Wharf Co., extending 
from the wharf to the foot of Kneeland Stieet. Since the building of 
the new South Station the avenue ends at Dorchester Avenue Exten- 
sion. The bridge was purchased by the city from the wharf company 
for $60,000. 

In 1856 the name of the North Free Bridge was changed to 
Federal Street Bridge. 

In 1855 the Boston and New York Central Railroad, having 
located a depot at the foot of Summer Street, and the track of its road 
lying through a part of South Boston, it became necessary to construct 
a bridge from near the depot to South Boston. This was built in a 
half circular course from the wharf of the company in the city to near 
Slane's wharf in South Boston, a distance of about 4,700 feet, and a 
double track was laid thereon. It was a pile bridge, provided with a 
draw where the channel passed under it, and extended to First Street, 
between A and B Streets. 

Another bridge was built by the company across South Bay to 
Dorchester, and was 5,030 feet long, making the total length of the two 
bridges 9,730 feet or about i '4 miles. They were opened for the use 
of the road in January, 1855. 

The railroad, passing under the streets of South Boston, necessi- 
tated the building of bridges at the several crossings. Shortly before 
i860 these bridges, between A and B Streets, were completed. 

The Memorial presented to the city government in 1847, ^^ad the 
effect, among other things, of abolishing a portion of the City Lands. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



179 



S- o 



'I 



4^ 



.V^' 



^^ 






l3o HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

It was agreed by tlie city fathers that sixty acres of good land were 
almost wasted where one or two acres would suffice for the same pur- 
pose of providing farm products for the institutions. Accordingly, in 
1854, the stockade fence was removed and soon Second and Third 
Streets and Broadway were laid out through the lands. The following 
year the Committee on Public Lands decided to grant the request of the 
people for a public square, and a large portion of what was the City 
Lands was set apart for a recreation ground, the present beautiful 
Independence Square. 

Gas was first introduced into South Boston in 1852. For many 
years the local press and public had urged the incorporation of a com- 
pany for this purpose and finally the South Boston Gas Co. was incor- 
porated April 13, 1852. Work of laying pipes was soon completed and 
gas was used for the first time in the district December 16, 1852. 
The gas plant was on Seventh, near B Street, and the first officers of 
the Company were : President, William T. Andrews ; Directors, William 
T. Andrews, Francis Alger, John H. Blake, Thomas B. Wales, Edward 
J. Davenport ; Clerk, Edward J. Davenport ; Treasurer, Jeremy 
Drake ; Agents, John H. Blake and Franklin Darracott, and Supt. 
Edward Jones. 

There were still several swamps and ponds scattered throughout 
the peninsula, but they were principally in sections thinly settled. As 
the houses increased in number the low lands were filled in. The 
largest swamps were in the vicinity of Third and O Streets and another 
on Third, near L Street. Bo)s used to catch birds and pick blueberries, 
in their vicinity. 

As early as 1830 plans were made for the filling in of the flats, 
that portion of the water north of Mrst Street and at the foot of A and 
B Streets, but it was not until twenty years afterward that anything 
noteworthy was done in this direction. The delay was largely owing 
to similar work in the Back Bay district and the filling in of the waters, 
of the Charles River. 

All along a large portion of Boston's shore, and especially South 
Boston, there was excellent opportunity to reclaim lands from the tide 
water. P'or the past seventy years this work has been going on, and is 
not yet finished. In 1855 but a small portion of that on the shore of 
South Boston had been reclaimed and that was principally through the 
efforts of the Boston Wharf Company. Thus was begun the filling in 
where now is the large tract known as the Commonwealth Lands. 

There was but little change in the streets. The Old Road was 
only from Third Street to the Point, Ouincy Street from D Street tO' 
Dorchester Street, and there were Ontario, Swan and Colony Streets 
near the Turnpike. These latter have since been abolished. 

The principal churches, in 185 i, were the South Boston Methodist 
Episcopal, the Hawes Place Congregational, St. Matthew's Episcopal,, 
Phillips Congregational, Fourth L^niversalist, St. Augustine's Chapel^ 



HISTORY OF SOUTH liOSTON. 



I«I 



(in the cemetery), South Baptist, and two years later the St. Peter and 
Paul's church, destroyed in 1848, was rebuilt. 

Of engine companies there were two, Mazeppa Xo. i, house on 
Broadway, between V and Dorchester Streets, next to the Hawes 
School ; and Perkins No. 2, house on Broadway, between B and C 
Streets. P^lijah H. Goodwin was foreman of Mazeppa and Joshua 
Jenkins foreman of Perkins. 




MAZEPPA ENGINE I, AFTERWARD MAZEPPA 17. 



The Mechanics Bank was in business corner of Turnpike and 
Division Streets, with James W. Converse as president and Alvan 
Simonds, cashier The South Mutual P'ire Insurance Company, incor- 
porated in 1845, had an office in Barker's I^uilding, on the Turnpike. 

St. Paul's Lodge of Pree Masons held meetings in Masonic Hall ; 
the Bethesda Lodge of Odd P^ellows met in Mt. Washington Hall, and 
the Mattapan Literar)' Association held frequent meetings. 

Joseph Smith was president of the hustling Democratic Associa- 
tion, and also president of the South Boston Lyceum. William B. 
Kennedy was at the head of the South Boston Total Abstinence 
Society, and there were many other organizations, though of less 
importance. 

The Broadway Bank commenced business December, 1853, in a 
building at the foot of Broadway, with Seth Adams as president and 
Henry H. White, treasurer. 

Prior to 1850 there had been two or three attempts made to 
publish a newspaper in the district, but one after the other met with 
failure. 

In 1847 Messrs. Wright and Hasty determined to start a paper that 
would be, as near as possible, satisfactory to every one, and they hoped 
thereby to win public favor. It was called the South Boston Gazette. 
It was a small paper, scarcely a foot square. It met with success, and 
in a few years the size was enlarged. The paper was printed in an 
office on Water Street, Boston, and during the early fifties had a good 
circulation. The name was changed to South Boston Gazette and Dor- 
chester Chronicle, and, after that had a varying career until 1856, 
when it was discontinued. 



1 82 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Mr Albert J. Wright had, in 1H55, severed his connection with 
the Gazette and started another paj)er, the Mercury, but that hved less 
than a year. 

In 1859 ^^^'- I'^- I'- Barrett changed the Mattapan Register to the 
South Boston Register and continued until 1863. 

No other attempt to publish a newspaper was made until several 
years afterward. 

A hurried glance through the files of the South Boston Gazette 
for 1851-52, give some idea of the happenings in South Boston during 
that time. 

Regular Democratic headquarters were open every evening, corner 
of Broadway and B Street, where Spelman hall is now. Thus, for 
more than half a centur)', this hall has been a political rendezvous. 

The H awes' free evening school had classes averaging 200. 

Richardson's bath-house, corner of C Street and Broadway, was 
the only place in the district to indulge in this necessary pleasure. 
Officer Sleeper was the sole policeman west of Dorchester Street, and 
Justice Merrill passed sentence on the prisoners that Mr. Sleeper 
brought before him. 

A strong effort was made b}' the people for a street or avenue, 
over a bridge, to be built from the foot of Summer Street to near the 
Git}' I^ands, and Gov. Houtwell was roundl}' denounced for vetoing a 
measure tending in that direction. 

John Souther, one of the leading manufacturers of the district, was 
given a banquet b)- his employees of the Globe Works, October 30, 
185 I. Gol. Hunting, of South Boston, was Superintendent of Streets. 
Isaac Adams, Theophilus Jenkins, Caleb Gill, Joseph Boylston, George 
B. Proctor, Charles Brady and E. H. Brainerd were leading Democrats 
of the time and made a strong effort for a secret ballot and created 
much excitement when it was learned that workingmen, in some of the 
foundries, were intimidated. 

In January, 1852, the Superintendent of Streets reported that 
$42,000 had been spent for paving and "similar good work" in South 
Boston, and $11,000 for building a sea wall and grading First Street. 
Alderman I^enjamin James was a prominent man in the city govern- 
ment and did excellent work for his district. 

January 31, 1852, was chronicled the death, b) accident, of Noah 
Brooks, one of the leading men of South Boston, but who had a short 
time previously moved to Dorchester. While driving along the Turn- 
pike his horse sheered from a pile of lumber, throwing Mr. Brooks, 
whose head struck a post, killing him. This occasioned great sorrow 
in South Boston. 

The thirty largest taxpayers in the district, in 1852, were Hall J. 
How heirs, Boston Wharf Co., South Boston Iron Co., Cyrus Alger, 
Massachusetts Iron Company, John P. Monks, Fulton Iron Company, 
Samuel S. Perkins, Josiah Dunham, Luther Felton & Son, P^zra Baker 



HISTORY OF SOUTH 150STON. 1 8 



v3 



& Morrill, Suffolk Lead Works, Thomas Cains, Samuel G. Howe, Seth 
Adams, Jabez Coney, George Brinley, Luther P'elton, Samuel Leeds, 
Elisha Goodnow, Joshua Jenkins, Francis J. Oliver, South Boston 
Association, Samuel Leeds & Others, Isaac Adams, Francis Alger, 
Isaac & Seth Adams & Company, Caleb Thurston, Henry W. Fletcher 
and Charles Hood. 

In June, 1852, Telegraph Hill, now known as Thomas Park, was 
purchased by the city and reserved for a public park. 

The effort to secure a bridge across from the foot of Summer 
Street to a point near the City Lands, was not successful during this 
period. Nearly fifty years afterward, through renewed agitation, the 
L Street Bridge was built, which, with the Congress Street Bridge, 
previously constructed, provided the avenue for which the people of 
1850 were seeking. 

To the Shade Tree Society, organized March 23, 1853, is probably 
due a great deal of the credit for planting many of the magnificent 
trees that still beautify the district, particularly on K Street, Broadway, 
G Street and h'ourth Street. Nearly a thousand trees were planted in 
the few years of the society's existence. 

Washington Village, until March 4, 1850, known as Little Neck, 
was annexed to Boston, as a part of South Boston, in May, 1855. 
After the annexation of South Boston, in 1804, that portion between 
Eighth Street and Savin Hill was but sparsely settled, in fact there 
were but very few houses. Gradually, like in other sections, the houses 
increased in numl)ers, and by 1850 there was quite a little village. 

Being quite remote from Dorchester and having no connection 
with the municipality of Boston, the residents of Washington Village 
petitioned, in 1855, to be annexed to Boston, and their petition was 
granted. There were then 1,300 inhabitants and the territory extended 
almost to where is now Five Corners. 

Bay View was the name given to a neat little village at old Powovv 
Point, between K and L Streets. It had a large number of fine dwell- 
ings, and its citizens were noted for their neighborly feeling and their 
endeavors for each others benefit. 

Just previous to 1 860, and for many years thereafter, there was a 
continual exodus of inhabitants from F"ort Hill to South Boston. 
Many of these people settled in the SS. Peter and Paul's parish, but as 
the numbers still increased, and the houses went up, further along in 
the district, St. Vincent's Catholic church, formerly the Purchase 
Street church, was removed, stone by stone, to the corner of E and 
Third Streets, and dedicated in 1874. 

While waiting for the completion of the St. X'incent's church. 
Catholic services were held in the hall corner of Broadway and C 
Street, in the church formerly occupied by the Baptists. 

Previous to 1850 the delivery of mail in South Boston was con- 
ducted in rather a crude manner. Thomas Spinney was one of the 



1 84 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



first to bring the letters from the central office in the city and deliver 
them in South Boston and he was succeeded by a Mr. Hunting. 

In 1850 Mr. Caleb Gill was sub-postmaster and he had charge of 
the delivery and collection of mails in the district. At first his office 
was at the corner of Broadway and B Street, but he soon removed to 





BIGELOW SCHOOL 

Broadway and C Streets, and the mail was brought from the city by 
the South Boston Omnibus company. 

William G. Bird was probably the first letter carrier in the district, 
being employed by Mr. Gill. His duty was to deliver letters below C 
Street, during the morning, and above C Street in the afternoon. 

South Boston's old resi- 
dents well remember the 
three famous stores that were 
then on Broadway, near C 
Street— Hill, Gill and Still 
were the three proprietors, and 
the similarity of the latter 
portion of their names was the 
occasion of much merriment. 
Thomas Hill was a hardware 
merchant, Caleb Gill in charge 
of the mail and also a book- 
seller and stationer, and Mr. 
Still kept a candy store. 
The location of the post office has changed many times since then. 
During the regimes of William V. Gierke and John H. Giblin particu- 
larly, the service grew most rapidly, and there was no cause for 
complaint among the citizens. 



11 all i fi I [Yj 




OLD LAWRENCE SCHOOL I860. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



i<^5 



The Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, occasioned much activity in 
South Boston, and the foundries, especially Algers', did a big business, 
working night and day. 

The Civil War, however, was the cause of a big falling off in the 
value of property, and many were the house lots and dwellings pur- 
chased during that time. After the war prices improved, business was 
good, and many new business blocks were erected. 

There was but one new church added to South Boston's houses of 
worship between 1850 and 1870, and that was the Gate of Heaven 
Church, corner of I and Fourth Streets. It was dedicated March 19, 
1863. 




OLD SOUTH BOSTON BUILDINGS NOW STANDING. 

Enright House (I845>. 'Pa" Holmes Corner South Boston Hotel (1805). 

Blake House, Broadway and P Street. 

(Now Francis E. Park Residence ) 

Through the munificence of Andrew Carney, the Carney Hospital 
was established in 1863, and the first patient was received June 9 of 
that year. Mr. Carney, aware of the absolute need of an institution of 
the kind, purchased the land where the hospital now stands and gave 
it to the Sisters of Charity. The estate was what was the old Hall 
J. How property and the institution has quickly grown in size and 
usefulness. 

In 1864 the present Episcopal Church Home, corner of Broadway, 
Fourth and N Streets was introduced into this district, having pre- 
viously had various locations in the city. From that time, up to the 
present, hundreds of orphans and homeless children have been cared 
for, and prepared for the battle of life. 



1 86 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

The fact that South Boston was rapidly growini;" and that that 
portion of the city between what is now Pleasant and Boylston Streets 
was becoming more important, occasioned the necessity for still another 
bridge between the two places. It required many years of agitation, 
but finally the people were successful, and plans for the present 
Broadway bridge were made. It was not until several years afterward, 
however, that the bridge was built. The grade of lower Broadway 
and that portion of Dorchester Avenue had to be changed, elevated 
from one to five feet, and all the adjacent territory filled in accordingly. 

During this very important period, 1850 to 1870, the ever in- 
creasing population created a demand for more schools and five of them 
were established. The\' were the Bigelow, corner of T'ourth and E 
Streets, dedicated May 2, 1850; the Lawrence, corner of Third and B 
Streets, dedicated March 17, 1857; the Lincoln on East Broadway, 
between land K Streets, dedicated Sept. 17, 1859; the Xorcross, 
corner of D and Fifth Streets, in 1868, and the Shurtleff, on Dorches- 
ter Street, in 1 869. 

Of the private schools at this time there were two above Dorches- 
ter Street, that of Rev. Dr. E. M. Wells on Fourth Street, and that of 
Rev. Dr. J. H. Clinch on Broadway near G Street. There was another 
private school, largely attended, in charge of Mr. Lawrence Egan, and 
located on Broadway exactly midvva)' between A and B Streets. Miss 
Mary Baxter, of a well-known South Boston family, also conducted a 
private school for young women on E Street, between Broadway and 
Silver Street. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 
The Civil War. 

'N'oung men eager to enlist — Tremendous excitement — Pulaski Guards — First Massa- 
chusetts Regiment — Start made for the seat of war — Engagements in which the 
organization participated — Recapitulation of the regiment — Roster of Company E 
(Pulaski Guards) — Lincoln (niarcls — Events at home. 

ABOUT two hundred of South l^oston's young men — young 
because the oldest was about thirty-five years of age, and there 
were many eighteen, nineteen and twenty years, — left their 
homes, their business and their loved ones, in 1861, and fought for their 
country, believing firml}- that the grand old Republic should be such in 
every particular and that every one had equal rights and should enjoy 
Hfe, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. 

The attack on Fort Sumter, as every schoolboy knows, was the 
first serious event of the Civil War. April 11, 1861, Major Robert 
Anderson, who commanded the fort, refused the command of the Con- 
federate general, P. T. I^eauregard, to e\acuate, and, accordingly, at 
4.30 on the morning of April 12, the first gun was fired from a Con- 
federate battery, and, after thirty-four hours' fighting, the fort was 
reduced to ruins and the occupants obliged to capitulate. 

This assault stirred the hearts of all true Americans, and, as their 
forefathers were up in arms when British tyranny sought to unjustly 
impose taxes on the country, so they quickly prepared to leave their 
homes and go to the front to defend the country from the danger that 
threatened it. 

In South Boston there was tremendous excitement. The popula- 
tion of the district was nearly 25,000, and there were many true and 
loyal citizens. Although thoroughly enjoying the comforts of home, 
generally prosperous in business, with every opportunity to enjoy life, 
they were ready to sacrifice all to enter the service of their country. 
Up and down Broadway they paraded, carrying banners announcing 
that they were ready to enlist for "three, five or fifteen years." 

The most prominent military organization in South Boston was the 
Pulaski Guards, chartered in 1836, a company that had drilled 
frequently and had been to muster annually. Their headquarters at 
first was in the building corner of C Street and Broadway, a one story 
wooden structure, still standing, but with several stores beneath it. In 
a field in the rear of headquarters they drilled. 

This organization joined the First Regiment, Col. Robert Cowdin, 



1 88 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



and were known as Company E. The other nine companies were from 
BrookHne, East Boston, two from Roxbury, Chelsea, and four from 
Boston. The services of the regiment were immediately offered to 
Gov. Andrew by Col. Cowdin. 

When the War Department, May 8, called for volunteers for three 
3^ears, the First Regiment immediately and unanimously responded. It 
was the first regiment to leave the state for three years' service, and, it 
is said, was the first three-years' regiment in the service of the United 
States. 

May 25, the companies were mustered into service. The men of 
Company E met in Lyceum hall, corner of E Street and Broadway, and 

marched to Faneuil Hall, the 
headquarters of the regiment 
until June i. They then marched 
to Cambridge, took possession of 
an old ice house on the borders 
of Fresh Pond, where they re- 
mained until the afternoon of 
June I 5, when they were marched 
to Boston Common and then to 
the Boston & Providence Rail- 
road. Here a handsome national 
banner was presented to the regi- 
ment. At nine o'clock in the 
evening, after repeated cheers, 
the train moved out, bearing the 
soldiers away to war, many of 
them, alas, never to return. 

Through New York, Phila- 
delphia and Baltimore, the regi- 
ments went, and met with big 
receptions, especially when it 
reached Washington. There they 
remained until the afternoon of 
July 16, when, with the Second 
and Third Michigan and the 
Twelfth New York Regiments, constituting Col. Richardson's brigade, 
they crossed into Virginia, over Chain Bridge, and commenced the 
march toward Vienna. 

During 1861 the regiment was in the battle of Blackburn's Ford, 
which, however, was little more than a skirmish, and then it was in the 
first battle of Bull Run. In the siege of Yorktown, and the battle of 
Williamsburg, May 5, 1862, the regiment did good service, following it 
up with a participation in the battle of Seven Oaks, or Fair Oaks, May 
31 and June i. 

Other engagements in which the regiment participated were 




LYCEUM HALL, BROADWAY AND E STREET. 

From this hall the Pulaski Guards (Co. E, Ist Regiment) 
started for the War. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 189 

Malvern Hill, Harrison's Landint;- and Warrenton Junction, the Second 
Bull Run and Chantilly, Va., battle of Fredericksburg, and the battle 
of Chancellorsville, Va., where Stonewall Jackson was mortally 
wounded, May 2, 1863, by one of the First Regiment's men. This 
regiment was in the thick of the terrible battle of Gettysburg, July 2 
and 3, 1863, where several men were lost. 

At Glendale, Kettle Run and Locust Grove, in 1863, the regiment 
did excellent service and its last fighting was at the battle of the Wil- 
derness, May 6, 1864, and the battle of Spottsylvania Courthouse, May 
10, 1864. 

May 20, at 1 1 p. m. the colonel of the regiment received orders to 
report to the superintendent of the recruiting service at Boston to be 
mustered out. 

May 25, 1864, arriving in Boston, there was an elegant reception 
accorded the regiment. It was gratifying to them to receive the 
splendid and enthusiastic welcome that greeted them everywhere in 
Boston. 

The regiment was furloughed for two days, to visit their homes 
and prepare the proper muster rolls. They reassembled on the morning 
of the 28th and were mustered out of service by Captain Norton, 14th 
U. S. infantry. 

Appended is a recapitulation of the number of men attached to 
the regiment during the term of service : 

Whole number . . . . . . 1629 

Discharged for disability, caused by wounds, etc. 643 

Killed and died of wounds . . . . 171 

Missing ........ 2 

Transferred . . . . . . . 116 

Deserted . . . . . . . 160 

Mustered out May 28 .... . 537 1629 



Two members of Company K, of a mathematical turn of mind, 
figured out the distance travelled by the First Regiment, from June i, 
1 861, to May 2'',, 1864, and it was found to be 3,312 miles, of which 
1,263 was on foot, 1,325 by railroad, and 724 miles by transport. 

Interesting to South Boston people may be the names of its citi- 
zens who belonged to the Pulaski Guards, and, through the courtesy 
of William G. Bird, who was a member, and, at the present time secre- 
tary of the First Regiment Association, the writer is enabled to give 
the list. 

Robert Cowdin of Boston was colonel of the regiment, having 
been commissioned May 22, 1861. He was Brigadier-General of 
Volunteers, Oct. i, 1862, having been mustered out as colonel, Sept. 
30, 1862. 



IQO 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Clark B. l^aldvvin was Captain of the company. He was commis- 
sioned a Lieutenant-Colonel, Sept. 8, 1862. George H. Johnston was 
First Lieutenant, and was commissioned Asst. Adjt.-Gen. of Volunteers, 
May 12, 1862. Miles Farwell was Second Lieutenant, and was com- 
missioned First Lieutenant, May 13, 1862. Thomas Strangman was 
the First Sergeant, and the other Sergeants were Hugh Cummings, 
George T. Baldwin, son of the captain of the company, Francis Duffy, 
Joseph C. Riley. 

Company E was largely made up of South Boston men. 



Roster. 



Alexander, Benjamin I). 
Allen, Lorenzo L. 
Bagley, George ¥. 
Bagley, Perkins H. 

Enlisted at i6, now in California. 

Bailey, Charles. 
Barney, Charles H. 
Bassett, vSamuel. 
Bates, Thomas E. 

Drummer boy, enlisted at iS. 

Baxter, George O. 

Killed at Fair ( )aks, Va. 

Berry, Charles O. 
Bird, William G. 
Blake, Horace O. 

Corporal, killed at Chancellorsville, Va., 
May 3, 1S63. 

Brown, Horace F. 
Burditt, Charles E. 
Burditt, George W. 

Brother of Charles, killed at Williamsbure;, — 
shot while jumping from a tree, May 3, 

1S62. 

Campbell, Thomas W. 
Cantwell, Robert. 
Carey, Edward. 
Chadwick, Samuel S. 

Died in .Andersonville. 

Champney, William L. 
Clapp, James S. 
("lark, Charles. 
Clark, William H. 
Closson, Edward P. 
Cox, Samuel H. 
Craig, Charles H. 
Craig, John S. 

I'.rother of Charles. 

Crooker, George H. 
Cummings, Thomas. 
Dalton, George W. 
Danforth, George I). 
Demerv, Richard. 



Derby, Samuel. 
Dillaway, George E. 
Dodge, Joseph W. 
Duifleld, John. 
Edwards, Samuel 
Elms, Cornelius. 
Elms, George W. 
Elms, Rollin L. M. 
Emerson, Moses C. 
Emery, John A. 
Earn ham, Albert A. 

Died in Andersonville, Nov. 15, 
iSb3. 

Fleming, James. 
Fuller, William H. 
Gaskins, William B. 

Killed at Fair ( )aks 

Gill, Henry W. 
Goodrich, Samuel A. 
Hartford, George W. 
Haynes, Daniel B., Jr. 
Herman, Charles. 
Herman, Conrad. 

Father of Charles. 

Holmes, U'illiam. 
Howe, John B. 
Howe, Michael. 
Ingalls, George F. 
Johnson, U'illiam B. 
Jones, Charles A. 
Kane, Richard W. 
Kelren, William IJ. 

Killed at Gettvsburij, Julv 2, 1863. 

Kelly, Michael A. 
Kenney, Robert. 
Kettelf, Fred K. S. 

Died of wounds at (lettvsburg, lulv 

2, 1S63. 

Kirkland, Robert. 
Lakin, James A. 

Afterwards on Ciov. ( ireenhalge's staff 



IIIST()R\' OF SOimi liOSTON. 



191 



Lanigan, William H. 
Larrabee, John S. 
Leahy, John. 
Letherbee, James I). 
Marcy, Howard F. 
McKenna, Alfred. 
Moulton, Samuel. 
Munroe, George S. 
Munroe, William. 
Myrick, George. 
Neale, |ohn. 
Niel Charles H. 
Pearce, Albert. 
Potter, Edward. 
Potter, John F. 



Smith, Alfred W. 
Smith, Amasa G. 

Went out as a wagoner; reported 
missing. 

Smith, Joseph A. 
Stephens, William A. 
Swain, John P. 
Tanner, Ferdinand W. 
Tighe, James P. 
Tucker, John C M. 

1 tied of disease at Fair Oaks, Va. 

Whitman, Edward P. 

Killed at (Uendale, June ,?o, 1S62 ; 
was the only support of his mother, 
and deferniined to go to the front. 

Whittier, Napoleon B. 
W'hittier, Reuben S. 




CI GUARDS UNIFORM. 
(William G. Bird.i 



Proctor, Benjamin. 
Ransom, James. 
Riley, Joseph C. 
Sackett, Moses. 
Severance, Orrin. 
Shackford, William B. 
Shattuck, Edward. 
Shaw, Jeremiah. 
Simmons, Albert, 
Sloan, Thomas E. 



\\'ilkins, George W. 
Willcutt, John 

(known in .South I'.ostou as ''.Skilly" 
Willcutt, and was a large, powerful 
man. 1 

Willeston, Charles H. 
Willey, Benjamin F. 
Williams, Alartin J. 
Woodbury, Frank V. 
^'oung, Samuel W. 
Young, William ( ). 



While the Pulaski Guards, the pride of South Boston, was at the 
front, other young men of the district were still eager to enlist and 



192 HISTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

joined themselves together in little companies, and were drilled b)' some 
companion who happened to know the manual of arms. 

The Lincoln Guards was another company that organized and was 
ready to fight for the country's cause. 

The services of this company, however, were not needed at the 
front. For thirty days they stayed at Castle Island awaiting further 
orders and preparing" for whatever emergency might arise. 

Another company, the Home Guards, was also ready to respond, 
but they were not called upon to leave their homes. 

The Pulaski Guards, however, was not the only representation that 
South Boston had at the front. Many there were who enlisted in other 
companies and other regiments and did as valiant service as could be 
expected. Then there were residents of the district who were in the 
navy, and they, likewise, upheld the honor of their country and served 
their district as well. 

At home there was scarcely any cessation of excitement during 
the entire four years of the war. News from the front was anxiously 
awaited, day by day, the progress of the Pulaski Guards were carefully 
noted, and accounts of the doings of that organization were received with 
joy, mingled with heart burnings, when word was received of the loss of 
some favorite son. 

Citizens who remained at home, either through necessity, inability 
to enlist, sickness or an)' of the numerous other reasons, still showed 
their loyalty and patriotism. P'lag raisings were many, one of the most 
important being that at the South Boston Iron foundry when a magni- 
ficent large banner was thrown to the breeze amidst the cheers of the 
assembled multitude. 

The war ended, however, after a long and bitter struggle. On 
Palm Sunday, April 9, 1865, Gen. Lee surrendered, with all his men 
and munitions of war, to Gen. Grant. This put an end to the Rebellion 
and placed the seceded states at the mercy of the authorities in 
Washington. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

South Bostox, 1S70 to 1900. 

Remarkable changes throughout the district — Additional schools and churches — 
Library— Police Court— Public Baths — New bridge— Abolition of grade crossings 

— Lands reclaimed from tide water — Commonwealth Lands — Commonwealth Dock 

— Streets laid out on Commonwealth Lands— Summer Street Extension— Demoli- 
tion of a large section of South Boston, known as " Swanland " — Combination of 
southern Massachusetts railroads— Boston Terminal Company — South Boston's 
vigorous battle, for its rights, with a gigantic corporation — Excellent work of 
Senator Gallivan and Congressman Naphen — New avenues — Marine Park — South 
Boston railroad strike of 1887 — Strikers had a firm friend in Rev. Fr. Metcalf — 
Streetcar strike of 1896 — Reminisences of old residents — William Cains recalls 
appearance of the district in i860— South Boston considered equal to the most 
beautiful spot in the world — James Hayes reminiscent— William S. Locke's 
recollections of former residents. 

WONDERFUL, indeed, were the changes in South Boston during 
the last thirty years of the nineteenth century. Improvements 
were many, hkewise alterations, houses erected where previously 
were isolated spots, churches almost doubled in number, schools 
increased, societies with various objects, spread throughout the district, 
and the general character of the people changed remarkably. 

In 1870 the people were earnest, they were full of spirit, and pos- 
sessed a strong desire to advance ; there were many wealthy people, 
and plenty of work made provision for all who did not wish to be idle! 
The people were sociable to a remarkable degree, there were but few 
jealousies, and the general magnificence of the district, and its many 
natural advantages, made it a section of contentment and happiness. 

In 1900 the population had almost doubled, there were many 
public spirited men, yet there were others who were public spirited 
only so far as they themselves could thereby be benefitted. The 
greatest change in the population, next to its great increase, was its 
cosmopolitan character, and at the close of the century natives of nearly 
every foreign country were residents. There was scarcely a section of 
the district not built upon, and but little available vacant land for 
building purposes, and there was a strong indication of a crowded 
re.sidental district. 

Yet, crowded as they were, the people well and proudly boasted 
that there was not a more law abiding section in the entire country. 
Though the foreign born, or the descendents of the same, predominated, 
though there was greater discomfort in many ways, though there was a 
greater competition in business of all kinds, and in manual labor, yet 
the people were well behaved and no real serious crimes were com- 
mitted. 



194 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

One of the principal changes, also, was in the occupations of the 
people. Where, in 1870, hundreds were busily employed in the mills, 
foundries and factories, thirty years later thousands were employed in 
shops or stores, principally in the city proper. The manufacturing 
establishments had long since passed away, skilled laborers lost their 
employment and were obliged to turn their hand at anything that came 
along. Young people worked in offices and retail stores, and the 
middle class took up professions, and, almost without e.\ce}3tion, made 
a success at their calling. 

It would be impossible to relate all the changes that have occurred, 
hence a few will suffice. 

Three new grammar schools were erected during this period, mak- 
ing the total number, in the district, eight. 

The population between Dorchester Street and City Point 
increased rapidly, and it became necessary to build another school. 
In 1873 the Gaston School for girls was built at the corner of L and 
Fifth Streets. Washington Village assumed such proportions that it 
became necessary to establish a school for the young people of that 
section, and, in 1878, the John A. Andrew school for boys and girls was 
built on Dorchester Street, near the junction with Dorchester Avenue. 
In December, 1890, still another school was built above Dorchester 
Street, the Thomas N. Hart School, for boys, corner of H and Fifth 
Streets. The tide of population seemed to be toward the Point, hence 
the additional school facilities. 

After nearly ten years of agitation plans were made for a high 
school, and the work commenced in 1896. The old reservoir on Dor- 
chester Heights was levelled, and the site taken for the purpose. 

As with schools, so with churches, and new houses of worship 
were quickly erected to meet the demand of the residents. 

In St. Augustine's church, on Dorchester Street, Mass was cele- 
brated for the first time July 2, 1871, and the church was dedicated 
August 30, 1874 ; St. Vincent's church, corner of E and Third Streets, 
was dedicated July 19, 1874 ; the Fourth Universalist Society changed 
its name to the Broadway Universalist Society, in 1872, and occupied 
the present building ; the present Phillips church was built in 1879; 
the Grace Episcopal church, on Dorchester Street, was built in 1875 ; 
the Church of the Redeemer, on East P'ourth Street, was occupied for 
the first time May 13, 1885, the society, for ten years previous, having 
been known as St. Matthew's chapel ; the City Point Methodist 
Episcopal church organized in December, 1878; the church of Our 
Lady of the Rosary, on West Sixth Street, was dedicated Christmas 
day, 1885 ; the Church of Our Lady Czenstochowa, on Boston Street, 
was dedicated in 1 893 ; the Dorchester Street Methodist Episcopal 
church was started in 1870; the Fourth Presbyterian church 
was organized in W^ait's hall in 1870, and ten years later purchased 
the present house of worship from the Methodists. The South 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



195 




196 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Baptist Society, one of the oldest religious societies in the district, 
abandoned its church, corner of F Street and Broadway, in 1899, and 
united with the society of the Fourth Street Baptist church, and since 
then the united congregations have worshipped in the handsome edifice 
corner of L and Fourth Streets. The Lithuanians built a church on 
East Seventh Street, where they worshipped until the same was 
destroyed by fire in 1899, ^^^'^ ^''o^^ -^ handsome building is being 
erected elsewhere in the district. 

St. Augustine's parish and the Gate of Heaven parish became 
greatly extended, and the congregation increased until it was found 
necessary to erect chapels, both of which were first opened for worship 
in 1900. St. Eulalia's chapel, in the Gate of Heaven parish, was built 
at the corner of O Street and Broadway, and St. Monica's chapel, part 
of St. Augustine's parish, was remodelled from the old Unity chapel,, 
on Dorchester Street. 

The South Boston branch of the Boston Public Library was 
opened in 1885, and the Andrew Square branch opened in the John A. 
Andrew school in January, 1901. 

The South Boston police court was established in 1872 and has 
almost continually, since then, been located corner of Fourth and Dor- 
chester Streets. 

In 1873 the excellent opportunities offered for bathing on the 
south shore induced the city to establish a free public bath-house for 
men and boys near the foot of L Street. In a few years the attendance 
increased so as to require larger quarters and additional closets. Soon 
this resort became the finest, of its kind, in the country. Toward the 
close of the century the attendance often reached five thousand in a 
day. 

A public bath for women and girls was early established at the 
Point, but, when work on the Marine Park commenced, it was removed 
to the foot of M Street. In 1 899 three voting booths were placed near 
men's establishment, for temporary use for the women and girls, and 
the M Street house was abolished. 

In 1900 plans were made for a magnificent new bath-house for 
men and boys, women and girls. 

Broadway Bridge, urged for many years prior to 1870, was com- 
pleted in 1 87 1, and provided a fine avenue direct to a section of the 
city where retail stores were numerous. The draw and foundation of 
this bridge were rebuilt in 1875, and have been reconstructed several 
times since then. Thus continuing Broadway to Albany Street, it was 
necessary to have an elevated bridge over the tracks of the Old Colony 
division and the grade of Broadway and Dorchester Avenue, in this 
vicinity, was greatly changed. About 1885, when it was desired to 
make a further extension of Broadway, between Albany and Washing- 
ton Streets, another bridge was iDuilt. Broadway now begins at 
Washington Street and ends at Marine Park, City Point. Another 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON 



197 






L STREET BATHS FOR MEN AND BOYS, WOMEN AND GIRLS. 
i^Ffom photographs taken in !899.) 



198 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

new bridg'e, in the same location, but of still higher grade, is soon to be 
commenced, and will proxide additional accommodations for the South 
Boston people. 

B)' the abolition of the Dorchester Avenue grade crossing, and, 
diverting the tracks across Southampton and Boston Streets and Dor- 
chester Avenue, beyond Andrew Square, those thoroughfares have also 
rectfntly been elevated and bridges erected over the railroad tracks. 

Much of the border of South Boston, especially on the north shore, 
is made land, having been reclaimed from tide water b)' the slow work 
of filling in. What is now known as Commonwealth Lands was at one 
time water, and it has taken nearly half a century to bring about this 
change, although the greater part of the work has been done during 
the past twenty-five years. 

Preparatory plans for this filling in were made as far back as 1830, 
although but little was done until 1850. There were many unavoidable 
delays, and the greater part of the work has been accomplished since 
1870. Mention has been made in another chapter of the Boston Wharf 
Company filling in for its own use. In 1 869, the wharf company sold 
to the Boston, Hartford and Erie Railroad Co. the land from which now 
extends Pier i, comprising in all about twenty-five acres. The adjoin- 
ing fifty acres were disposed of to the Boston and Alban)- Railroad. 

The Boston, Hartford and Erie Railroad later went into the hands 
of a receiver, and the Commonwealth foreclosed the mortgage to the 
wharf company, but the Boston and Albany retained its property. 

In 1873 a new deal was made. The Boston and Albany Railroad 
Co., the Boston Wharf Co., the City of Boston, and the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts made a four-part agreement. The city was to build two 
bridges across Fort Point Channel and was given the right by all other 
owners to lay out two main avenues across the property northerly and 
easterl}-. 

The eastern avenue is now Congress Street, but the northern 
avenue has never been laid out, but is still in contemplation, and there 
will, probably, some day, be a bridge and thoroughfare from the foot of 
Oliver Street to South Boston. The right was also given to lay out 
cross streets, in this made land, without incurring land damages to the 
owners. 

The Commonwealth, at that time, agreed to fill up the corner 
piece, now Pier i, and build retaining walls, the companies to fill in 
their lots, the filling to be taken from the harbor, thereby increasing its 
depth. 

At about this time the Commonwealth bought out the shore rights 
between B and E Streets, which carried them up to what is now known 
as Cypher Street, and in 1875 began the filling, and completed what 
was known as a twenty-five acre lot. 

In 1877, 1878 and 1879 the state built a pier at this point, and 
later leased the twenty-five acre lot to the New York and New PIngland 










JA 









V 




[X- 





.* i r' r 







iCnf 



. ,.. , . . i^ il' > r / 







( 1 \ 



r'-i 



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c.^^ 



<'fZ 



2 00 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Railroad. In 1880 the state sold this lot to the New York and New- 
England Railroad, and, shortly after this deal, that road made a trade 
with the Boston and Albany Railroad, and a section of the Woonsocket 
Division was exchanged for the flats owned by the Boston and Albany 
Railroad, east of the fifty-acre lot. At the same time it bought the 
twenty-five acres and also secured a twelve-acre lot owned by the state 
east of 1^ Street and south of Congress Street. 

Thus there was remaining to the state everything east of B Street 
which it at once proceeded to iill, and up to the present time there are 
over 170 acres. 

In 1900 there was completed the great Commonwealth dock, said 
to be the largest in the country, twelve acres in extent, and capable of 
accommodating six large steamers. This is located directly at the foot 
of B Street, and east of the railroad property. 










v-4 



^'^^ *V ■ ' ' "'.'■'i^- ^ 



FORT POINT CHANNEL, SOUTH BAY AND LOWER SOUTH BOSTON. 1879. 
Alger's, W'llmarth's, and other foundries in the foreground. 

The completion of Pier i, closely followed by the building of other 
similar docks, increased traffic on Congress Street to such an extent 
as to necessitate a new thoroughfare, — Summer Street extension. 
The Legislature, in 1896, authorized this change, and soon after plans 
were made for a new avenue, in continuation of Summer Street, to 
Congress Street, with bridges over A Street, the railroad tracks, B 
and C Streets and falling to grade west of E Street. 

The Commonwealth Lands have been laid out in streets, although 
not yet built upon very largely. North of First Street was laid out 
Cypher Street, then Anchor, Bullock, Mt. Washington Avenue, Claflin, 
Danby, Edmong, Fargo and then Summer Street extension. The city 
took the land between Cypher Street and Mt. Washington Avenue, and 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 20I 

between C and D Streets, where it built a large and well equipped 
g)'mnasium, with a playground around it. 

Manufacturing establishments purchased land and erected large 
buildings in the \icinity of Summer Street Extension. The whole tract 
north of this Summer Street Extension is practically held, to be used 
exclusively in connection with the piers and docks. 

South Bay was originally 360 acres in extent, but by the exten- 
sion of wharves, and solid filling, it is now less than half that size. 

In 1848 a contract was made for filling twenty acres of these fiats 
belonging to the city, to cost about $400,000, but in 1856 the contract 
was changed, the number of acres increased, so that the cost, when 
completed in 1862, was about three times that amount. This was, 
however, principally on the city side and has been used largely for 
dwellings, although a portion of it has been used for the City Hospital 
buildings. 

In 1894 that section of the district known as "Cork Point," or 
" Swanland," was doomed to destruction. This territory, bounded by 
Fourth Street, Dorchester Avenue and Foundry Street, also included 
•Ontario, Swan and Colony Streets, thick with tenement houses. 

The cause of the wholesale demolition of buildings was the pur- 
chasing of all the property by the New York, New Haven and Hart- 
ford Railroad Co., a corporation that controlled the Old Colony and 
Boston and Providence Railroads, and which, since then, has secured 
control of nearly all railroads from Boston to Southern Massachusetts. 

Scores of families were deprived of their homes, through this 
<:hange, and many residents of that section were obliged to move out of 
the district, in order to secure homes with rent as "reasonable as they 
paid before. 

Another railroad deal, later on, was the combination of all the 
southern divisions, four in number, to build a central depot. The 
corporation was known as the Boston Terminal Co. 

The scheme was carried through in 1896. The originator of the 
idea was Mayor Josiah Ouincy, and, through his explanation to the 
officials of the several roads the benefit to be gained, and the offer on 
his part, representing the city of Boston, to present to the new terminal 
company a portion of the land on which to build the terminal station, 
the scheme was adopted by the railroad officials. 

The Legislature of 1896 empowered' Charles F. Choatq, William 
Bliss, William T. Hart, Royal C. Taft and Charles P. Clark, to be a 
corporation by the name of The Boston Terminal Company, with 
extensive powers to construct a union passenger station and take lands 
for said purpose, and certain streets were abolished. 

The new depot was completed and opened January i, 1899. 
To provide land for the site for the depot. Federal Street (for- 
merh- Sea Street) between the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Summer 
Street, to the Federal Street Bridge, was given to the new company, 
and thus an important avenue to South Boston was abolished. 



202 IIISTOKV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Senator James A. Gallivan and others, however, succeeded in 
incorporating- in the bill, by an amendment in 1H97, a provision for the 
erection of a bridge and an avenue, in extension of Cove Street, to take 
the place of Federal Street, abolished, and the Terminal Company to pay 
a proportion of the expense of the same. The Terminal Company pro- 
fessed to be willing to build a tunnel, or subway, under its tracks, from 
the corner of Dorchester Avenue, as extended, and Mt. Washington 
Avenue, to a point near Kneeland Street, thus to provide a means to 
reach that section of the city, but South Boston people were not favor- 
able to this and insisted on the Cove Street extension and bridge. 

That history repeats itself, was proven by the contest that followed 
between the South Boston people, striving for their rights, and a grasp- 
ing corporation, that wished to deny them what was honestly theirs. 

Even after the Legislature had decided that the bridge should be 
built, the Terminal Company, in 1 899, endeavored to defeat the deci- 
sion of that body, and threatened to rescind the law. F"ailing in this, 
an effort was made to make the proposed extension as narrow as pos- 
sible, and the Terminal Company would not consent to anything more 
than a fifty foot thoroughfare. Five of the South Boston members of 
the lower branch of the Legislature fought earnestly for a wider street 
and bridge, but were defeated, and provision made for only a fifty foot 
thoroughfare. 

That victory won, the Terminal Company immediately began tO' 
plan for the defeat of the entire measure, and sought the intervention 
of the War Department, at Washington, to prevent the building of the 
bridge, on the ground that it would be an "interference to navigation,'" 
and on this final stand a most bitter fight was waged. 

But South Boston had a representative in Congress, who was 
determined that the measure should not be defeated, and Hon. Henry 
F. Naphen battled with this opposition in a manner that won for him 
unlimited praise throughout the city. 

A board of investigation held several hearings in Boston, attended 
by hundreds of leading South Boston citizens as well as experts, but 
notwithstanding the strong argument in favor of the bridge, and against 
the grounds of the opposition, this board was about to report unfavor- 
ably to the South Boston people, when Congressman Naphen personally 
pointed out to Secretary Root of the War Department, the true state of 
affairs, proved that the building of the bridge would be no "inter- 
ference," and that the position of the Terminal Company was unfair,, 
with the result that he finally won. Secretary Root did not recognize 
the report of the investigation committee, and scorned the coterie of 
capitalists and others, decreeing that there would be no interference,, 
and thus made the way clear for the building of the bridge. 

It was provided that the Terminal Company should pay toward 
the construction of the bridge an amount equal to what it would have 
paid for the proposed subway, and the city and state pay the balance.. 



mSTUKV OF SOUTH KOSTOX. 



20' 



After another delay of several months, work was finally commenced 
for the foundation of the bridge, and it is expected the structure will be 
completed in a year or two. 

Almost immediately following the opening of the new union sta- 
tion, work was commenced on the new avenue to South Boston, in con- 
tinuation of Summer Street. 

The other new avenues in South Boston, laid out during this 
period, were Swett Street, recently re-named Southampton Street, and the 
handsome boulevard along the south shore known as the Strandway. 




POINT PLEASANT HOUSE COYNES LOBSTER HOUSE. 

POINT BREEZE HOUSE AND JOHNSON'S LANDING. 

Former City Point hotels removed to make way for Marine Park. 

Shortly after 1870 it became necessary for an avenue to connect 
Washington Village and the South End, and the agitation for such an 
avenue resulted in the building of Swett Street, in 1875, from Andrew 
Square to Albany Street. 

The Strandway is one of the magnificent, broad a\enues connect- 
ing the chain of parks of which Boston may proudly boast, and which, 
when completed, will be the most beautiful in the world. Beginning 
at the Back Bay Fens, the chain of parks includes Leverett Park, 
Jamaica Park, Arnold Arboretum, Franklin Park, and, lastly, our own 
Marine Park. The Columbia Road, in Dorchester, and the Strandway, 
connect Franklin and Marine Parks. 

This system of parks and boulevards was authorized by popular 
vote in 1875. There was not much done, however, until 1887, when 



2 04 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

all plans had been completed and work at the South Boston end was 
commenced. 

What remained of the old battery at City Point was purchased by 
the city, and for several years thereafter the principal work was that of 
filling in along the eastern shore — this being for the Marine Park, 
which has gradually, year by year, taken shape, until now it is said to 
be the finest marine park in New England. A pier was built where 
once was Johnson's Landing, the old bath-houses for women and girls 
were torn down and moved to the foot of M Street, several of the old 
hotels were demolished, or removed to other locations. Several years 
afterward, when Castle Island was secured from the national govern- 
ment for use as a public park, the bridge was built across from the 
mainland, the land along the shore was graded, and trees planted. 

Along the south shore, also, work progressed rapidly. Consider- 
able property was taken for the Strandway. An effort was made to 
increase the tax of the property owners in the vicinity, for the better- 
ment thus made, but this was rescinded, as the result of opposition of 
leading men of the district. 

There is one connecting link of the Strandway unfinished, a short 
stretch between the foot of G Street and the foot of Mercer Street, 
and it is hoped that the present and future mayors will see that this is 
completed very soon, thus finishing the entire chain of parks and 
boulevards. 

Probably the most stirring event in the last quarter of the nine- 
teenth century was the strike of the employees of the South Boston 
Railroad Company. This was in 1887 and continued more than a 
month. 

For the year previous there had been considerable complaint 
among the employees that they were not receiving just treatment, and, 
naturally, they sought to secure their rights. The men of the road 
had been organized by Charles J. Chance of District 30, Knights of 
Labor, and they desired that, what they considered their rights, should 
be accorded them. 

They had twenty grievances, which were submitted to the officials 
of the road, and December 31, 1886, President Hersey replied to the 
letter of the employees, agreeing, however, to but few of the requests. 

Little by little the feeling among the men grew and there were 
several hundred who wished to strike early in the year. Wise heads 
advised further consideration, preferring to go slow. 

Nevertheless, a strike was declared at midnight, F'ebruary 6, 1887, 
and February 7 was the first day of the tie-up. A meeting in Gray's 
hall, attended by over 700 men, voted to take this action. These in- 
cluded conductors, drivers, hostlers, stablemen and tow boys. 

During the day of the 7th, the strikers, divided into squads of 
three, lined themselves along the car routes between City Point and 
State Street and notified the people of the situation. This was greatly 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTO^N. 



205 



appreciated by the public, especially the working people, as it prevented 
unnecessary delays on the corners. 

By the fourth day a committee of ten had procured 244 horses 
and half that number of coaches, wagons and other conveyances, and a 
transportation line was started by the strikers, continuing until the 
close of the strike, the public patronizing liberally and asking for no 
change. 

Public sympathy was almost entirely with the strikers, as it was 
considered their grievances were just. Their conduct was excellent, 
and there was no fault to be found. 

About a week after the tie-up was inaugurated the officials of the 
road made an offer to the strikers, and, while the public considered it a 
satisfactory way out of the difficulty, it was not accepted. 

The officials offered to grant all the requests asked, and would 
take back the men, but provided that twenty-three of the strikers 
should not be taken back. The officials stated that twenty-three men 
had accepted work in the company when the strike was declared, and 
the company did not wish to discharge them. 

The strike continued, with renewed determination on both sides, 
although the strikers gradually kept losing ground. The public felt 
that a mistake had been made in not accepting the company's offer. 
Assistance, however, continued to come in from all parts of the country, 
and the coach line continued doing good business, although the railroad 
company began to run cars which were well patronized. 

Throughout these exciting days the strikers had no better friend 
than Rev. Fr. Metcalf, pastor of the Gate of Heaven church. Although 
Gray's hall had been engaged for a month by the strikers, it was taken 
away from them, and they were without a meeting place until Father 
Metcalf gave the use of St. Michael's hall for as long as the men 
desired. 

During the early days of the strike there was much excitement on 
the streets. The strikers behaved admirably, however, but it was over- 
zealous friends that caused the trouble. The police were kept busy 
and dozens of extra men were assigned from the city stations. No one 
was allowed to loiter on the streets through which the cars passed. In 
the vicinity of the stables the men, who took the strikers' places, were 
given every possible protection, yet there were many assaults. A 
serious row occurred one night at the Ray View stables, and several 
men were sent to the hospital as a result. Finally, the men in the 
employ of the company used to wait at the stables until fifteen or 
twenty could leave for their boarding houses together. 

The unfortunate affair, however, came to an end on the night of 
March 15. A meeting w^as held in St. Michael's hall, to decide what 
should be done. The regular presiding officer and several leaders 
were absent, and when it came to a vote to declare the strike off, 
amidst the greatest confusion, the chairman declared the motion carried, 



206 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

although there are man}-, to this da)-, who say that the majorit}' vote 
was in the negative. 

Of the men who went out about 150 had secured work elsewhere, 
and onl)- about one-half of the remainder were taken back in the employ 
of the road. 

December 24, 1896, another strike was instituted, this time the 
West VauI Street Railway Co. in the entire city being tied up. In the 
South Boston division about 400 men refused to work. The affair was 
poorly managed. Railroad employees in other parts of the city went 
out early in the forenoon and it was not until 12.30 p. m. that the South 
Boston men received word to quit. The same afternoon a few returned 
to work, cars were run, furniture sleighs and coaches were put on by 
the strikers, and there was considerable excitement. Instigators of the 
tie-up thought the officials would give in at once to the demands for 
shorter hours, owing to the Christmas holidays and consequent shopping. 
But this was not the case. At midnight, the night before Christmas, 
the strike was declared off, by the strikers themselves, and all bat 
thirt}- men on the South Boston division were taken back. 

Reminiscences. 

Intended for an aristocratic residential section, with the streets 
and avenues laid out for such and where many handsome residences 
had been erected, the district gradually changed, and by 1870 South 
Boston could claim among its residents representati\es of nearly every 
country and climate. 

People flocked over from all sections of the city, as soon as work 
was secured at any of the numerous manufactories or foundries that 
abounded, and hundreds of the residents of Fort Hill made their homes 
in the peninsula district. Increasing so rapidly in numbers, the wealthy 
and aristocratic families did not look upon the section so kindly, yet it 
flourished, and there was happiness and contentment. 

Mr. William Cains glowingly pictures the district of forty years 
ago. 

"The South Boston Association," says Mr. Cains, "with which 
Mr. Alger and other wealthy men were identified, did their work well, 
and they laid out a district that could not be excelled in the entire 
country. My father, who travelled through man)- of the large countries 
of the world, used to say he never saw a more beautiful spot than South 
Boston. The residences were as handsome as could be, and were laid 
out with magnificent gardens on all sides, with elegant shade trees and 
numerous fruit trees. The families of Sears, Hunnewells, Perkins, 
Appletons, and many others of equal importance, intended to make their 
homes here. 

" Thirty or forty years ago Cit}' Point was an ideal place for 
natural scenery and beauty. Its grandeur was beyond compare and 
one could not wish for better. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



107 



" Above Dorchester Street there were not many houses until i860, 
and between West Broadway and the water there were but few. The 
people were all neighborly, they were devoted to their district, loyal to 
each other, and endeavored to better it in every way iK)ssible." 

James Hayes, just se\'enty-five years of age, and a resident of 
South Boston since 1835, remembers South Boston of fifty years ago 
with wonderful distinctness. He was for many years employed in 
Alger's Foundr)-, and recalls with pleasure the district and its people. 

" South Boston, at one time," sa)'s Mr. Hayes, " would be hard to 
surpass as a residential section. The broad, green fields, the straight 
streets, as we haxe them now, the magnificent scener)- in and around 




OLD HOUSES ON EMERSON STREET. STILL STANDING, 



South Boston, the activity and the general contentment of the people, 
were all that one could wish for. It was a very bus)' place, and ever}^ 
one could find work who wished it. The foundries, manufactories and 
other business establishments were doing a rushing business and em- 
ploying" men all the time. 

"Alger's proving ground was on the south side, between O and P 
Streets, and the guns were fired directly across the bay. Two gun 
holders were built on the beach. The United States owned the land, 
and they tried the lo-inch and i i-inch guns there. At one time a gun 
swerved round, knocked a chimney off the old Blake house and did 
some other damage. Such accidents were not infrequent and finally the 
proving ground was changed to Castle Island, and later to some other 



2 08 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



island in the harbor. Previous to the time of which I speak there was 
a proving ground out Washington Village way, side of the railroad, and 
near Mercer Street. 

"The 'rolling mill' is remembered by all old inhabitants, and it is 
only a few years ago that it ceased operations. Hundreds of men were 
there employed. It was started by Crooker and Reed who came from 
some place near the Mill-dam. 

"The Fort Hill people began to come just before i860 and they 

built in the vicinity 
of D and E and 
Third Streets." 

William S.Locke,, 
for many years 
engaged in the 
plumbing business, 
now seventy-five 
years ,of age, has 
always been a resi- 
dent of South Bos- 
ton. He spent a 
few years in Cali- 
fornia, but during 
that time South 
Boston was his 
home. He has an 
excellent " memory 
and recalls early 
days distinctly. 

"There was 
great activity i n 
South Boston im- 
mediately before, 
men were at work and 




G and Third Streets 



OLD HOUSES: STILL STANDING. 

McSolla House 687 Second Street 
Built by Leeds. 1834. 
Portion of Old Blake House, P Street and Broadway. 



during and after the Civil War. Thousands of 
those were indeed prosperous times. 

" We had many good men in South Boston then. The Wrights, 
Harris's, Southers, Dunhams, Algers and a score of others did much to 
advance and benefit the district. 

" Josiah Dunham built a house side of the South Boston hotel, on 
Fourth Street, and the same block of houses is there now. Emsley 
kept a store corner of Broadway and the Turnpike. 'Harris's Folly' 
was at the corner of E Street and Broadway, near the Bigelow School, 
and was so named because Mr. Harris built it one room over the other, 
no two being on the same floor. 

" The httle house corner of K and Fourth Streets, where the 
Hawes' Society first met, was afterwards removed to Broadway, side of 
the Hawes' School, where St. John's Church is now. William Bar- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



209 



tholomew occupied it as a blacksmith shop for many years. It was 
removed to make way for the church. 

" There was a school corner of D Street and Broadway, in the build- 
mg afterward purchased b)^ Mr. Brennan. Right at that place the 
water covered Broadway at times. This was soon filled in. The same 
building is there now, and 
on the D Street side, close 
down to the ground, can be 
seen the tops of the windows 
that were on the first floor. 

"Wright's house, corner 
of Broadway and Wright's 
Court, is still standing, 
although much changed in 
appearance. It was one of 
the first houses built in 
South Boston. 

"There were many fine 
men, good public-spirited 
citizens, in South Boston 
then, and there were resi- 
dences that could compete 
with those of any other 
suburb of Boston. 

" Col. Albert J. Wright lived on Broadway, not far from G Street 
and John P. Monks lived in the other part of the double house occu- 
pied by Col. WTight. Mr. Briggs, the shipbuilder, lived in the James 
block, on Broadway, near Dorchester Street. The Dillaways lived on 
G Street, and Henry Arnold, now prominently identified with Thomas 
W. Lawson's business, lived corner of K and I-^ourth Streets. 

" Capt. Greer, founder of the South Boston yacht club, lived on 
Fourth Street, third house west of station 12, and the Whitney 
house, corner of Broadway and Dorchester Street, was one of the finest 
on Broadway. In front were large elms. 

" The financial panic of 1872 created quite a disturbance every- 
where, and here, in South Boston, many men suffered. Many causes 
were given for the panic. A large number of our wealthy men found 
themselves almost penniless, while others managed to rally and save 
themselves." 




ANTHONY W. BOWDEN RESIDENCE, 324 W Third Street, 
Where he has lived since 1834. 



CHAPTER XXVL 

The Spanish-American War. 

South Boston boys eager to enlist — Blowing up of the Imttleship Maine — Ninth Massa- 
chusetts Volunteer Infantry quick to respond to the call for troops — Roster of the 
Ninth on its departure — Camp Dewey at South Framingham — Ordered to Camp 
Alger — Assigned to Provisional Brigade — Arrival at Siboney — March to the front 

— Lieut. -Col. Logan in command — In the trenches — Trouble on the transport 
Harvard — Major Michael J. (J'Connor — Deaths of otiicers and privates — Ordered 
home at close of war — Roster of the Ninth when mustered out — P^rank P. Collins 

— Names of twenty-one South Boston soldiers who died in the service. 

SHORT, yet effectual, wa.s the war with Spain in i.SgS. Fully six 
hundred of South Boston's citizens participated in that memorable 

conflict, and many gave up their lives, through disease contracted 
on Cuban soil, while scores of others were .shattered in health. 

No other regiment was more gallant or willing in this struggle, 
than the Ninth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and among the 
officers and privates were many South Boston men. It is recorded that 
this organization, longer in service than any other volunteer regiment, 
lost a larger percentage of men than any other of Massachusetts, thir- 
teen per cent. The Second lost ten per cent, and the Sixth two per 
cent. 

Twenty-one South I^oston soldiers succumbed to disease, and one 
other, a brave, loyal, newspaper correspondent, a native of South 
Boston, and beloved by all who knew him, equally courageous and true 
as any soldier in the service of his country, died, that others might live. 

War against Spain was declared by the United States, closely 
following the blowing up of the battleship Maine, in Havana Harbor. 
The country had been in a state of excitement for many months. It 
was evident that the sympathy for persecuted Cuba was growing 
stronger and stronger, and the sentiment was, by a large majority, in 
favor of compelling Sj^ain to take off the tyrannical yoke. Spain, as a 
consequence, did not look kindly upon this country. 

February 15, i8g8, the battleship Maine, anchored in Havana 
Harbor, was blown up in some mysterious manner, and scores of the 
officers and crew were lost. It has never been learned who the real 
perpetrators were, but the blame was laid at the door of Spaniards, and 
when war was declared the battlecry was " Remember the Maine." 

When President McKinley called for volunteers, Massachusetts 
troops were quick to respond, and the men of the Ninth were among the 
earliest to enlist. Of the twelve companies, two, B and I, were almost 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 211 

entirely South Boston youths, while the remaining" companies, especially 
those of Boston, had many residents of the district in their ranks. 

On May 4, i 898, the regiment was encamped at South Framing- 
ham, in command of Colonel Fred 1^. Bogan of Charlestown. 

South Boston men who were officers in the regiment at this time 
were as follows : 

Field and Staff. — Lieutenant-Colonel Lawrence J. Logan, Major 
Michael J. O'Connor, Adjutant Joseph J. Kelly, Assistant Surgeon 
William H. Devine. 

Non-Commissioned Staff. — Sergeant-]\Iajor Edward L. Logan, 
Hospital Steward J. Frank Riley. 

Line officers. — Company 1^, Captain George V. H. Murray, h^irst 
Lieutenant James F. Walsh, and Second Lieutenant Michael J. 
Desmond. 

Company C. — Captain Thomas V. Ouinlan, Second Lieutenant 
Joseph J. Foley. 

Company L — Captain John H. Dunn, First Lieutenant William 
J. Casey, Second Lieutenant James A. Cully. 

In honor of Admiral George S. Dewey, who but a few days before 
had won such a splendid victory at Manila, and whose name was upon 
every one's lips, the Framingham rendezvous was named Camp Dewey. 

Nearly four weeks the soldiers remained at this camp, restless and 
anxious to go to the front, and several times there were rumors that 
they would start on the morrow. Finally, the order was received, 
May 30, and the following day three trains, with the 943 men, started 
for Camp Alger, near Falls Church, Mrginia, and as they were leaving 
they were cheered by thousands of friends who had gathered to bid 
them Godspeed. 

Within an hour of their departure the first accident overtook them, 
in the death of Charles J. Doherty of Company I, formerly a resident 
of South Boston, but whose home, at the time of enhstment, was at the 
South End. With his head out of a car window, gazing at the friends 
he was leaving behind, he was struck by a pole and instantly killed. 

On arriving at Camp Alger on the afternoon of June i , the Ninth 
Massachusetts, bearing the national emblem, the state flag and the 
Irish banner, was received by the Irish Seventh of Illinois, who at once 
extended every possible hospitality. 

The Ninth Regiment was assigned to the Provisional Brigade of 
the Second Army Corps, with Brigadier-General Dufifield in command. 
On the morning of June 25 Newport News was reached and almost 
immediately the men were transferred to the transport Harvard, with 
Cuba for its destination. Accompanying the Ninth were two battalions 
of the Thirty-Fourth Michigan. Recruits, increasing the number of 
Ninth's men to 1,325, arrived at Camp Alger, but the)- did not have to 
2:0 to Cuba. 



2 12 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

On the morning of the sixth clay out the Cuban shore was sighted, 
and by evening of July i the troops were encamped on the beach at 
Siboney, and orders were received from Gen. Shafter to move toward 
the front at once, as there was heavy fighting and every available 
soldier was needed. 

Supper was hastily partaken of and at ten o'clock the start was 
made, forty men being left behind to care for the stores and unload the 
same from the transport. 

Lieut. -Col. Logan was in command, as Col. Bogan had to remain 
behind owing to serious illness and was relieved of the command. 

The night march of sixteen miles was one that will pass down in 
history as one of the most terrible in which American soldiers ever 
participated. Through a strange country, the men, used to the northern 
and cooler climate, proceeded, forded streams, climbed high hills, 
crossed disease-breeding swamps, yet there was not a word of complaint, 
and all were eager to participate in that which had brought them there. 

On the way to the front, wagons, bearing wounded soldiers, were 
soon met and then it was learned for the first time of the fierce charge, 
that day, at El Caney. 

It was not until five o'clock the following morning that the first 
halt was made and then there was an opportunity for short naps, which 
many of the tired soldiers quickly embraced, but at seven o'clock they 
were awake and on the march again. Another halt was made just 
before reaching San Juan Hill, and there could be seen the American 
troops, partially concealed in trenches, firing at the Spaniards, the 
wounded quickly cared for and taken to the rear, and everywhere 
there was excitement. 

The Massachusetts regiment was at once ordered into line, and, 
taking a position in a trench dug out of the road, they remained all day, 
cramped and uncomfortable, yet shielded from the bullets. 

At about dusk that day, July 2, Companies C and I, Captains 
Ouinlan and Dunn, were sent to re-inforce the Tenth regiment, but, 
losing the way, the detachment brought up with the Second, also in 
need of re-inforcements, and there they were allowed to remain. Com- 
panies G and K were then sent to help out the Tenth. 

July 1 7 Santiago surrendered and the Ninth Massachusetts par- 
ticipated in the ceremony. 

For several days thereafter the Ninth remained in the vicinity of 
Santiago, changing location, however, as necessity demanded, and about 
August I established a camp on a hill near the Santiago road. 

During all this time the forty men who had been left on the 
Harvard to care for the stores, were not idle, in fact, they too had an 
exciting time of it. About 670 prisoners taken from the Spanish ves- 
sels Infanta Maria Teresa and Almirante Oquendo, were placed aboard 
the transport Harvard. On the night of July 4, these prisoners, chafing 
under the restraint and confined to a small area on the vessel, attempted 



HISTURV UF SOUTH BOSTON. 



2 1 



a busy time they had of it for 



to escape, hoping to reach shore if they jumped overboard. The 
guards, however, were too quick for them, and the forty soldiers of 
the Ninth cowered into submission more than six hundred Spanish 
soldiers and sailors. Six of the Spaniards were killed and about 
twenty-five wounded. 

Wagon-Master Thomas F. Sullivan of Company I, and Sergt. 
Joseph S. Benton, South Boston boys, were among the guards, and 

half an hour. The Massachusetts 
boys at first simply used the butt 
end of their muskets, or the point 
of the bayonet, to drive the prison- 
ers back to their place, but some 
few shots were fired, which were 
una\'oidable. 

The terrible climate, lack of 
substantial food, exposure to the 
tropical sun, malarial air from the 
swamps, all this tended to weaken 
the men, and the strongest of them, 
even, gradually succumbed to disease. 
Col. Bogan, one of the first to 
be stricken down, was sent home, 
and arrived in Boston August 5. 
He died a few days later. F'rom the 
arrival of the regiment at Siboney, 
Col. Bogan was ailing, and Lieut. - 
Col. Logan was in command, until 
he, too, was taken sick during the 
latter part of July. Capt. Dunn of 
Company I was also sick and he, 
with Lieut. -Col. Logan, returned to 
Boston August 15. With the ten- 
der and loving care of their families 
they gradually gained strength, although it was many weeks afterward 
before they could leave their homes. 

Maj. Grady of East Boston, died July 30, just as Col. Bogan was 
leaving for home, and Maj. Michael J. O'Connor of South Boston, 
esteemed and admired by all who knew him, died August 6. 

Maj. O'Connor's death was an incalculable loss to the regiment, 
and a terrible blow to his relatives and friends. In the prime of life, 
possessed of many of the traits that denote manhood, he endeared him- 
self to all who knew him. His popularity among the soldiers was 
attested by the act of one of them, when the major was laid in a tem- 
porary grave at Santiago. 

A District of Columbia private, T. J. Mahoney, with the point 




MAJ M. J. CONNOR 
Ninth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. 



214 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




of his bayonet, cut out on a tile taken from the roof of a blockhouse 
on San Juan hill, this inscription : — 

Maj. M. J. O'CuxxoR, 

3D BATT., QTH MASS. VOL. 

DIED AUG. 6, 1898. 

AGE ^^J YEARS. 

R. I. P. 

This tile was afterward im- 
bedded in the marble monument 
placed over Maj. O'Connor's 
grave in Calvary cemetery. 

By special permission the 
bodies of Maj. O'Connor, Maj. 
Grady, Corporal Lane and 
Private Carey were removed to 
Boston, and on September 12 
the funerals of the last three c-rr^Mr r,»o,y,K,^ ^r,.wn ^^ , 

STONE MARKING GRAVE OF MAJ. M. J. CONNOR 

were held. September 13 Maj. in calvary cemetery. 

O'Connor was buried in Calvary 

cemetery. Services were held in the Cathedral, thousands thronging the 

streets and filling the church. 
Such an out-pouring of people 
had seldom before been equalled. 
After weeks of suffering 
the remaining soldiers, August 
23, heard the welcome news 
that they were to immediately 
leave for home. In three trans- 
ports the soldiers were taken 
to Montauk, Long Island, where 
they were taken to the detention 
camp, to prevent the possibility 
of any spread of disease they 
might have contracted. 

September 8 orders were 
received for the men to start 
for home, and on their arrival 
in Boston they were accorded 
an ovation. The sick were 
immediately taken to the hos- 
pitals, and the Carney Hospital 
in South Boston, alone, cared 

FRANK P.COLLINS War Correspondent. for 1/5 SOldlcrS. 

Among the man}- who died 
in Cuba, or on the return home, from disease contracted there, not one 





Joh n J. Clark S.V.C Thomas F. stlLLtvAN Michael L. Kiwo J.l/X 

"^"""■■■■"""""'■■1 Commander 





VKTERAXS OF THE SPANISH WAR - ( )i.FICKRS OF M\] 
M. J. O'CONNOR CAMP, 4, L. s. W. V.. 1903. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH FSOSTON. 215 

was braver or more loyal than Frank P. Collins, newspaper corre- 
spondent, representing the Boston Journal at the front. Born in South 
Boston, where nearly his entire life was spent, he was held in high 
esteem by his friends. Not obliged to go to the war, he was ready 
to accept the call, and left home and friends that they and the 
entire community might read of the whereabouts and doings of 
the soldiers from Massachusetts. In addition to his duties as corre- 
spondent, he was ever ready to oblige the soldiers in any way open 
to him, and many were the young men who shared his supply of food, 
and for others he took letters to be sent to their loved ones when he 
should reach a place where they could be mailed. 

He, too, died, perhaps not a soldier in the service of his country, 
as some might look at it, but one, serving his country just as faith- 
fully, and at the same time caring for those who were fighting for the 
good of the cause. 

James B. Connolly, a South Boston boy, a member of Company I, 
also filled a position as correspondent for the Boston Globe. His fre- 
quent letters were remarkable for their fearlessness and detailed account 
of the happenings in Cuba. Bright, crisp and glowing in their narra- 
tion of important events, they were widely read. 

November 26 the Ninth Massachusetts was mustered out, having 
been in the United States service little more than six months. During 
this time many changes had occurred in the roster, through death and 
promotions. South Boston officers were in the following positions : 

Field and Staff. — Colonel Lawrence J. Logan, Major George F. 
H. Murray, Adjutant Joseph J. Kelly. 

Non-Commissioned Staff. — Sergeant-Major Edward L. Logan, 
Hospital Steward J. Frank Riley. 

Line Officers. — Company B, Captain James F. Walsh, First 
Lieutenant Michael J. Desmond and Second Lieutenant William J. 
White. 

Company C. — Captain Thomas F. Ouinlan, Second Lieutenant 
Joseph J. Foley. 

Company L — Captain John H. Dunn, First Lieutenant William J. 
Casey, and Second Lieutenant James A. Cully. 

Assistant Surgeon William H. Devine was promoted to brigade 
surgeon and assigned to the First Brigade, First Division of the Second 
Army Corps, and at the close of his service was acting chief surgeon of 
the Second Division, Second Army Corps. 

On the reorganization of the Ninth Massachusetts Volunteer 
Militia, George F. H. Murray and Joseph J. Kelly were chosen majors, 
and William J. Casey adjutant, and, as a consequence, there were 
several changes in the line officers. 

South Boston was also represented in other branches of the service. 
Prominent among these was George H. Nee, the only man in the ranks 
to win both a medal of honor and a certificate of merit. He went to 



2l6 HISTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

the front with Company H, 2ist Infantry. He won his medal of honoi 
at San Juan Hill, Cuba, by rescuing a wounded comrade from in front 
of the firing line. He was later promoted to corporal and went as such 
to the Philippines. It was at the battle of Calamba that he received a 
certificate of merit for leading his company, when his lieutenant was 
shot down. Shortly afterward he was appointed a sergeant. 

Thomas J. Kelly and Boatswain Edward J. Norcutt, South Boston 
boys, were with Dewey on the flagship Olympia at Manila Bay, and 
Boatswain Dominick J. Glynn, who was on the U. S. S. Trenton in 
the Samoan disaster in 1888, was on the U. S. S. Charleston, one of 
Admiral Dewey's fleet at the battle of Manila Bay. He saw active 
service during the entire war and was with the U. S. S. Charleston 
when she was wrecked in the fall of 1899. 

The activity of the mosquito fleet at the breaking out of the war, 
and the excellent work it performed is familiar to all. The U. S. S. 
Prairie was one of the most active boats at the time, and among her 
crew was Seaman Edwin A. Stowe. 

P2ven in the sinking of the " Merrimac " at the entrance to San- 
tiago harbor, by Lieutenant Hobson and a handful of men. South 
Boston was represented in the person of Timothy J. Kelly. He was 
badly scalded about the lower part of the body and will carry his 
wounds the rest of his life. 

South Boston soldiers who gave up their lives while in the service 
of their country in this war, were as follows : 

Ninth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. 

Field and Staff. — Major Michael J. O'Connor. 

Non-commissioned Officers. — Sergeant Stephen D. Murphy, 
Co. I ; Corporal Thomas D. McLeod, Co. B ; Corporal Thomas W. 
Gallagher, Co. B; Corporal Samuel P. Wiley, Co. C; and Corporal 
Thomas A. Costello, Co. H. 

Artificer Leo. J. Brady, Co. C. 

Privates — George P. McLaughlin, Co. B ; John J. Peard, Co. B ; 
Michael F. Leonard,^ Co. C ; John J. O'Toole, Co. C ; Patrick F. 
Moriarty, Co. E ; Patrick J. Donahue, Co. H ; Joseph S. Donahue, Co. 
H ; Timothy J. Tehan, Co. H ; Elden P. Keene, Co. H ; Thomas F. 
Fenton, Co. I. 

Regulars. 

Second United States Artillery. — Private Martin Green, Battery B. 
Seventh United States Infantry. — Private George J. Whitten, of 
Co. E, and Private Albert V. Gateley, of Co. H. 

Hospital Corps, U. S. A. — - Private Henry C. Knapp. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 
JoHx Hawes and the Hawks School. 

♦.Sketch of the noted resident — Provisions of the will of John Hawes, and the beneficiaries 
— Trustees of the fund since Mr. Hawes' death — Hawes School — Increase in attend- 
ance at the G Street school creates demand for new house — Opening of the new 
school — Singing class established — Succession of masters — Music introduced — 
Number of pupils who received Franklin medals and City medals — Discontinuance 
as a grammar school — Hawes School boys' association — Hawes School girls 
organize — Names of prominent graduates. 

JOHN HAWES, through whose generosity and munificence the 
district has so greatly benefitted, was a true South Bostonian, 
although Dorchester was his birthplace. 

The Hawes fund, left by him, the income to be used in various 
ways for the good of South Boston, for all time, has grown, through 
careful investment and judicious expenditure, to nearly half a million 
dollars, from the income of which much good is derived. 

Mr. Hawes was born January 9, 1741. At the age of seven he 
was placed with his maternal grandfather, Benjamin Bird, at Dorchester 
Neck, from whom he received his early education. 

Although he removed from South Boston and took up his home in 
Dorchester, yet he always had a love for the peninsula district. At 
rather an advanced age he married Mrs. Sarah Clap, widow of Elisha 
Claj) and daughter of Thomas Bird. 

The last twenty-five years of his life were spent in South Boston. 
His home was corner of K and Fifth Streets. Of a retiring disposition, 
gentle in manner, there was much in him to be praised. Deprived of 
any education, yet he was one of South Boston's most intelligent 
citizens, — practical experience and careful observation having enabled 
him to possess a fund of information and good common sense. Having 
no children, his strong attachments to the scenes of his childhood and 
youth, induced him, no doubt, to will a large portion of his possessions 
for the benefit of South Boston. 

He died January 22, 1829, at the age of 88 years. His will, 
dated October 23, 181 3, was proved and allowed by the Probate Court, 
March 9, 1829, and was confirmed by the Supreme Court in March, 

1830. The executors were James Humphries, Henry Gardner and 
Ebenezer P>erett, but the last two declined to serve and successors 
were chosen. The trustees were incorporated and the number in- 
creased to five, James Wright, Adam Bent, Caloin Tilden and Samuel 
Floyd being chosen. The act of incorporation was dated February 25, 

1 83 1, and accepted March 27, 1831. 



2l8 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Himself deprived of school education, he provided in his will for 
the preaching- of the gospel and the education of the young. He also 
gave land for the cemetery at City Point, and also the lot of land on 
which stands the Hawes school. 

At the time of his death his property consisted of 60,000 feet of 
land and a dwelling on Fiske Place and Washington Street, near the 
Roxbury line, and from six to eight acres of land with a brick dwelling 
on K and Fifth Streets. 

F'rom 1835 to nearly 1850 Mrs. Rurrill's school for young women 
was aided by the Hawes fund, and in 1837 some of the money was used 
for a public Sunday school where children were taught reading and 
writing, in addition to the reading of the Bible. Beginning in 1870 an 
evening school was supported by the fund, this being before the city 
established such schools. In 1872 a drawing school was started, under 
the fund, and this was the beginning of the present South Boston Art 
School. 

The fund now provides for the free evening classes, conducted 
from October i to May i each year, and afternoons during the summer, 

in the old Hawes church, at the 

_ ^ — ^_- -,. , junction of Fourth and Emerson 

Streets, near K Street. 

The Hawes church that was 
started at the corner of K and 
P"ourth Streets in 1807. then 
the church erected at the junc- 
tion of Emerson and F"oiu'th 
Streets, and finally a new one on 
Broadway, near G Street, were 
all made possible through the 
munificence of Mr. Hawes. This. 
latter house of worship, attended 
by many of the leading residents 
of the district, is chiefly supported 
by yearly appropriations from the 
John Hawes' fund. 

The trustees of the fund have 

been as follows : April 30, 1831, 

Noah Brooks (third treasurer) ; February 28, 1832, Hall J. How ; May 

4, 1833, John H. Bird (.'•econd treasurer); March 2, 1834, Alpheus 




HAWES CHURCH. 1830. Fourth and Emerson Streets. 



Stetson; June 2, 1834, Hugh 
Timothy Bedlington ; January 
treasurer); F"ebruary 12, 1857, 
December 23, 1859, Frederick 



Montgomery; November 30, 1846,. 



19, 1849, Benjamin James (fourth 
Thompson Baxter (fifth treasurer); 
Nickerson ; 1866, Libeon Southard; 
1 87 1, Edwin Gill ; April 29, 1876, Robert M. Harrison; January, 1879, 
George E. Alden ; 1881, William F.Pierce; April, 1881, George L. 
Lovett ; 1881, Charles T. Gallagher; October 19, 1888, Henry C. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



219 



Mitchell (sixth and present treasurer) ; July 8, 1897, t^dward A. Church ; 
December 10, 1900, Thomas Hills. Messrs. Alden, Gallagher, 
Mitchell, Church and Hills are the present trustees. 

Hawes' School. 

For more than ten years a little building on G, near Dorchester 
Street, was the only schoolhouse in South Boston. It was likewise the 
first established. In 181 i it was opened with Mr. Zephania Wood as 







FORMER RESIDENCE OF JOHN HAWES 
Still standing at corner of Fifth and K Streets. 

master. Ten years later the citizens of the district realized that there 
was need for a new schoolhouse, and April 24, 1821, a petition for 
another school was presented to the sub-committee of the Franklin 
School. It was not, however, until the following F'ebruary that the 
school committee voted to erect a new schoolhouse in South Boston, to 
contain two rooms, each capable of accommodating 150 scholars. 

The site selected was on Broadway, near Dorchester Street, and 
the erection of the Hawes' School was commenced. The building was 
of brick, completed in 1823, and in the fall of that year the pupils of 
the school on Dorchester and G Streets, headed by Rev. Lemuel Capen,. 
the teacher, marched to the new house and were addressed by Rev. 
John Pierpont. 

At first one room was finished and prepared for use, that being 
sufficient for the number that attended. 

In the fall of 1824, through the efforts of Mr. Xoah Brooks, there 
was a singing school established in the new school. 

Rev. Mr. Capen, the first teacher of the Hawes' school, remained 
in that position only until 1826, when he resigned and was succeeded, 
September 5, by Barnum Field, afterward master of the Franklin 
school. He remained until 1829, when he was succeeded by Mr. 
Jairus Lincoln. 



220 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Although the site was provided for the school by Mr. John Hawes, 
it was not until 1827 that his name was given to the institution, and 
the name was not fully established until 1832. In 1833 the master of 
the Hawes' school was made equal to the masters of other grammar 
schools in the city. 

Mr. Jairus Lincoln remained as master but a few months, and 
February 9, 1830, Mr. Mark Anthony DeWolfe Howe became master, 
and he remained but one year. He was a young man, a thorough 
disciplinarian, and had but few equals in efficiency. He became 




HAWES SCHOOL, ESTABLISHED 1823. 

greatly attached to the school, but was obliged to relinquish his posi- 
tion in order to take a tutorship in Brown University, at Providence, 
R. I., of which he was a graduate. 

Mr. William P. Page was chosen as Mr. Howe's successor. He 
was not so strict as Mr. Howe had been, and the troubles and annoy- 
ances that preceded Mr. Howe's regime, were renewed. Truancy was 
common, and the boys and girls alike were imbued with that mischief 
which almost bordered on lawlessness. 

Mr. Page was obliged to resign August 14, 1832, and was suc- 
ceeded by Mr. Moses W. Walker, who entered the school August 28. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



2 2 1 



Mr. Walker had heard of the reputation of the school and was 
determined, from the outset, that he would be recognized as master 
and his wishes obeyed. Accordingly, there was an exciting whipping 
incident which the scholars did not soon forget. A lad named Harring- 
ton was severely punished by Mr. Walker, so much so that the boy's 
father instituted proceedings against the master. The boy was not 
seriously injured, however, the master was upheld, and he continued 
until he had the entire school under subordination. 




MARK ANTHONY DEWOLFE 

HOWE. 

Fourth Master, 1830-1831. 




JOHN A. HARRIS. 

Writing Master and Master of Boys' 

Division, 1835-1852. 



\ 






M 


m 


^ 



ALBERT DRAKE, 
Music Teachei. 



fp 


1 




■^M^ 




(^ 




JOSEPH HARRINGTON, Jr 
Seventh Master, 1834-1839, 



REV LEMUEL CAPEN. 
First Master, 1823-1826. 





"""^ 




^m 


"M 


/-A3 


^^L 


' — 35j 


'*''"''iffll 


^^ 




FREDERICK CRAFTS. 
Eighth Master, 1839-1850. 



BARNUM FIELD. 
Second Master, 1826-1829. 




SAMUEL BARRETT. 
Tenth Master, 1852-1859. 



OLD HAWES SCHOOL MASTERS. 



His course, however, did not meet with the approval of the 
parents, and, January 14, 1834, he resigned his office, and Joseph 
Harrington, Jr., was elected to fill the vacancy. 

In April, 1834, the upper story of the schoolhouse was furnished 
and the entire school was supplied with new desks. 

Mr. Harrington followed a far different course than had Mr. 
Walker. He endeavored to have each boy realize the true meaning of 



222 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

right and wrong, and he strongly appealed to their sense of honor and 
manhood. He used the rod very sparingly, and preferred to allow 
them to meditate, in quiet, on their ways. At all times he was ready 
to join with the boys in their sports, and frequently proposed excursions 
into the country. A perfect lesson was required of every one, and the 
pupils learned to study for the purpose of pleasing him. It is said he 
originated the system of placing the pupils according to their record, 
the best in the first seat and so grading them down. 

During Mr. Harrington's service he founded the Hawes Juvenile 
Association, the first of its kind ever kncnvn, the object being for the 
members to refrain from swearing, and for the advancement of each, 
morally. Soon the membership numbered two-thirds of the school, and 
the suppression of lying and stealing were added, and any member 
convicted of either of these crimes was expelled from the association. 

In January, 1838, the school committee decided to introduce the 
study of music into the grammar schools and it was in the Hawes school 
where it was first tried. Mr. Lowell Mason was the first master and 
the experiment was successful. Mr. Mason was succeeded by Mr. 
Johnson, and he, in turn, by Mr. Albert Drake. Writing was intro- 
duced as a study August II, 1835, and Mr. John A. Harris was the 
first teacher. 

July I, 1839, ^^J'- Harrington was obliged to resign, as he wished 
to prepare himself for the ministry, and he left, amid the regrets of 
scholars and citizens of the district. To show their appreciation of him 
the scholars presented him with a handsome token of their esteem. 

Mr. Frederick Crafts succeeded Mr. Harrington. During his time 
of service the school was divided into two distinct portions, — the 
Hawes school for boys and the Hawes school for girls. In 1840 
another building was erected on the property of the Hawes school and 
was named the Simonds school. The Hawes and Simonds schools have 
ever since stood side by side. This arrangement continued until the 
opening of the Rigelovv school in 1850, when the Hawes school for 
girls was transferred to the Bigelow school building. 

Mr. Harris was writing master and master of the boys' division 
from 1835 to 1852, and was succeeded, in August of the latter year, by 
Mr. Samuel Barrett. 

In 1859, the Hawes school, as a grammar school, ceased to exist, 
and since then it has been a primary school. 

In 1857, the school committee had, in its annual report, set forth 
that the Hawes school had outlived its usefulness, as a school of ad- 
vanced grade, and the progress of the district's population had thrown 
the school out of the centre of the entire district. The committee 
suggested that the building might be altered to accommodate the 
primary schools of the Hawes and Bigelow districts and measures were 
at once taken to reorcranize. 






C. James Connelly 

1S9S 



Albert T. Whiting 



WM. E. h- DiLLAWAY 

1895 






James T. Tighe 
1902 



Fkancis K Park 

1S99 



Hon. Chas. T. Gallagher 



/ '-Ma 



James 15. Koc.ers 
1S89 





Wm. H. H. Sloan 



Edwin B. Spinney 

1S84 






Benjamin B. Whittemore 

1S91 



George B. James 

i8b8 



Ubert K. Pettingill 

190 1 



PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE HAWES SCHOOLBOYS' ASSOCIATION. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 22 3 

The Lincoln school was erected on Broadway, the first in the City- 
Point section, and its establishment, September, 1859, marked the re- 
forming of the district into the Lincoln and Bigelow divisions. The 
old Hawes school-house was renamed Hawes Hall and divided and 
arranged for eight primary schools, six being for the Bigelow and two 
for the Lincoln district. 

In the classes of the Hawes school, between 1825 and 1859, there 
were 137 boys received the Franklin medal, and during this time, 
also, there were distributed 60 City medals to the girls of the school, 
these being of the same intrinsic value as the Franklin medal for the 
boys. 

An association of the old Hawes school boys was formed in 1884 
with President Edwin B. Spinney, Treasurer Richard J. Monks and 
Secretary Barnard Capen. 

The former girls of this famous school organized in 1888 and 
officers were elected as follows : President, Mrs. Agnes L. Sprague ; 
Vice-President, Mrs. Sarah P. Osborn ; Secretary, Mrs. Carrie A. 
Provan, and Treasurer, Mrs. Lucy C. Bartlett. 

Annually, since then, these associations have had reunions respec- 
tively, but at each festive occasion many of the members of the other 
association are also present, and many are the good times they have. 

William Cains, son of Thomas Cains, the pioneer glass manufac- 
turer of this country, and Thompson Baxter, who died in 1900, were 
among the earliest graduates of the Hawes school. 

Among others, recently deceased, who graduated from this famous 
institution were George W. Armstrong, who started the Arms^["ong 
Transfer Co. and died a millionaire, John Souther, well known machinist 
and inventor of the dredging machine, Edward B. Blasland, Michael E. 
Brady, George E. Deluce and James Deluce, David Hale, the well 
known rubber manufacturer, Ezra Harlow, who lived in the district 
seventy-five years, Patrick J. Mullen, John T. Osborn, William D. 
Rockwood, who was connected with the South Boston Savings Bank at 
the time of his death. Col. Albert J. Wright and others. 

Leading men of to-day, who point with pride to their school days 
in the old Hawes school, are Charles T. Gallagher, one of Boston's 
leading lawyers, Charles O. L. Dillaway of the Mechanics' Bank, W. K. 
L. Dillaway, his brother, a well known lawyer. Rev. William Gallagher, 
formerly principal of Williston Seminary at Easthampton, and later 
president of Thayer Academy of Braintree, Rev. John W. Brownville, 
George B. James, editor and proprietor of several newspapers, Charles 
L. James, Edward B. James, Elisha F. James, lumber dealers, all sons of 
Benjamin James, C. James Connelly, a prominent resident of South 
Boston, Edwin B. Spinney, for thirty years in the assessors' and col- 
lectors' departments, Joseph A. Plumer, a veteran clerk in the assessors' 
department, Albert T. Whiting, once police commissioner of Boston, 
Sergt. Winslow B. Lucas of police division 4, William C. Greene and 



2 24 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

George D. Burrage, well known lawyers, Mayor Edwin A. Sherman of 
Oakland, Cal., Galen Poole, Lewis Bird, John O. Bird and Henry 
C. Bird, Francis E. Blake, treasurer of the Wheelwright Paper 
Company, John W. Blanchard, treasurer of the Blanchard Machine 
Company, Francis C. Hersey of the Hersey Manufacturing Company, 
Osborne Howes of the Board of Underwriters, Bernard Jenney of the 
Jenney Oil Company, and his son, Francis H. Jenney, George H. 
Cavanagh, bridge builder, Alpheus M. Stetson and John A. Stetson, 
James B. Rogers, William S. Crosby, Timothy J. Remick, Amos T. 
White and Samuel C. Rowell, leading merchants, Ubert K. Pettingill^ 
head of a big newspaper advertising agency, Frederick P. Laforme, 
Henry L. Bates, James Bates, Nehemiah P. Mann, Albert W. Mann, 
Robert ¥. Means, John H. Means, P'rancis E. Park, James H. Rush, 
Oliver B. Stebbins, James H. Stark, James T. Tighe, William P. 
Cherrington, Anthony W. Bowden, Miles P. Carroll, William H. Dailey 
of San Francisco, Cal., George. V. Field, HoUis R. Gray, Capt. Michael 
J. Kiley, William S. Locke, Frank K. Neal, Col. Henry W. Wilson and 
scores of others. 



CHAPTER XXVni. 

Pro:\iinext Residents of the Nineteenth Century. 

Joseph Woochvavd — Cyrus Alger — Abraham (lould — Samuel lUake — Isaac Adams — 
Noah Brooks — Mall J. Mow — Josiah Dunham — John H. Bird — Romanus Emer- 
son — Thomas Cains — Thompson Baxter — Mary Baxter — Mary S. Peavey — 
Business and professional men. 

AN entire volume devoted to the subject alone would not suffice to 
dwell upon the good works and characteristics of the leading 
residents of the nineteenth century, who, in various ways, have 
done their part, little or great as it may have been, to better the dis- 
trict and help the community. 

So, in the brief space devoted to this chapter, but very few of the 
public spirited men can receive attention, notwithstanding that hundreds 
of others, whose names do not appear, may have been equally as 
prominent. 

Joseph Woodward was really the founder of South Boston. As 
Rev. John White was mainly responsible for the early settlers coming 
to our shores, so was Joseph Woodward the first one who foresaw the 
future greatness of South Boston, urged annexation, and encouraged 
the building up of the district. 

Born in Hingham, Mass., November 15, 1758, most of his early 
years were spent in Sherborn, with his maternal grandfather, Mr. Joy, 
and early in life he learned the trade of silversmith. After many 
changes, he took up his home in Tewksbury, and in the fall of 1803, 
while in Boston, he wandered to Wheeler's Point, at the foot of South 
Street, and, gazing across the water to the peninsula, now South Boston, 
became convinced that Boston must spread in that direction. 

He immediately made known his project to Messrs. Otis, Greene 
and Judge Tudor, as mentioned in a preceding chapter, and the year 
after, 1 804, annexation occurred. He was also a leader in the agitation 
for the bridges and many other public improvements. 

Mr. Woodward, for twenty years, was the only Justice of the Peace 
in South Boston. He was a man of strong religious feeling, was always 
a friend of the clergy, and fond of their society. He died in Leomin- 
ster, whither he had removed, June 29, 1838. 

Cyrus Alger has been mentioned several times in preceding chap- 
ters, yet, too much cannot be said of his magnificent character, his 
desire, in fact, love, to do acts of kindness for the community in which 
he lived. He was continually making improvements, spending his 
money for the people, ever zealous for the interests of his employees. 



226 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




CYRUS ALGER. 



and it is therefore but natural that he had a wonderful influence in the 
community. He attracted business to the section, and, being the 

largest land holder in the district, 
encouraged every improvement. 

Mr. Alger was a member of the 
Common Council the first year of the 
city goverment (1822), and served 
as Alderman during a portion of i 824 
and in 1827. He died February 4, 
1856, and wos buried in the ceme- 
tery on Emerson Street. His body, 
however, was afterward removed 
elsewhere. 

Abraham Gould resided in Dor- 
chester until the annexation. His 
wife, Susannah Foster, was the 
daughter of James and Mar)' Foster, 
and a lineal descendant, in the fifth 
generation, of Hopestill Foster. The 
title to a large portion of the Foster 
estate passed to Mr. Gould by his 
wife, and, by purchase, in connection 
with his brother in-law, Benjamin Foster. The estate was bounded 
by Dorchester, Sixth and D Streets to the water. 

Mr. Gould died in 1840, at the 
age of 8 5 . 

Samuel Blake, a descendant of 
the original Blake family, moved to 
South Boston in 1835, and built a 
handsome house on the old Blake 
estate at the Point. Like his ances- 
tors, Samuel was a successful busness 
man, of sound judgment, respected 
by all who knew him, and an exem- 
plary citizen. He died January 17, 

1853- 

Isaac Adams, the inventor of 

the make of printing press bearing 

his name, lived on Broadway, near A 

Street, and it was in the shop on 

Foundry Street, near the works of 

the South Boston Iron Foundry, 

that he perfected the invention, 

and, with his brother, Seth Adams, 

manufactured sugar refining machinery and other iron goods. He was 

a highly respected citizen, a Democrat in politics, and took a prominent 




ISAAC ADAMS. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 227 

part, as president of the Democratic association, in 1.S51, in endeavor- 
ing to stop the intimidation of workmen. 

Noah Brooks, one of the earliest of South l^oston's shipbuilders, is 
also mentioned elsewhere in this \'olume. He was a brother-in-law of 
Samuel Kent, who was superintendent of the yard of Lincoln and 
Wheelwright. Capt. Brooks was prominent in the early histor)^ of the 
district. Although born in Scituate, Mass., he was a resident of South 
Boston more than thirty years, and did much, by his active and ener- 
getic spirit, to ad\'ance the best interests of the place. He was a large 
subscriber to the Free Bridge, and one of the committee for building 
that structure. He was several times a member of the Legislature 
and of the Common Council, and in every measure of public reform, 
he either took the lead or was right in line for the best obtainable for 
the district. 

Hall J. How was a resident of the district nearly a score of years. 
In early life he came to South Boston from a New Hampshire town and 
was the originator and forwarder of many important enterprises which 
have contributed to the improvement of the district, among them being 
the erection of the Mt. Washington Hotel, the incorporation of the 
Boston Wharf Company and the building of the North Free Bridge. 
Mr. How died August 17, 1849, Ic'aving a family of six sons and live 
daughters. 

Josiah Dunham came to South Boston at an early age and first 
commenced the manufacture of cordage, on his own account, in a rope- 
walk on Boylston Street. In 1 807, possessed of several acres of land 
in South Boston, he built there, in the vicinity of B and Fifth Streets, 
a handsome residence and ropewalk where he continued to manufacture 
cordage until 1853. During all the years he lived in South Boston he 
was engaged in erecting dwellings and stores, and is said to have been 
the builder of more houses in the district than any other one man in 
his time. He was in the Common Council of 1833, and the three suc- 
ceeding terms was in the Board of Aldermen. While an alderman he 
did much to have the streets of the district properly graded. 

It was Josiah Dunham, who, in 1823, when the Phillips Congre- 
gational Society was formed, built the house on Fourth Street for their 
meetings, a picture of which is on page 1 29 of this book. 

Mr. Dunham died April 28, 1857, httle more than 82 years of age. 

John H. Bird was the son of Jonathan Bird, before mentioned, and 
lived in the Bird house on Fourth Street. He took a deep interest in 
everything that concerned the welfare of South Boston. June 10, 1835, 
he met with a sudden death. While boarding a vessel which was about 
to sail, he fell from the gang plank, struck his head upon a spar, and 
was instantly killed. 

Romanus Fmerson was one of the residents of " The Village " on 
Emerson Street, near K Street. He lived in South Boston more than 
forty years, arriving in 1 808, and kept a small grocery store in addition 



228 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



to following his trade of carpenter. During his time he witnessed 
many changes and improvements in the district. He, himself, was 

forward in every movement for social 
reform, and took a deep interest in 
the moral progress of society. In 
the closing days of his life he was 
zealously engaged in the temperance 
and anti-slavery movements. He 
was of an easy, quiet disposition, 
and his temper was not quickly 
ruffled. He was especially peculiar 
in his views of religion. Toward 
the close of his life he renounced 
all religious opinions whatever, 
deliberatively holding to his specu- 
lative belief. He died October lo, 
1852, at the age of 70. 

Daniel Simpson, well known as 
the "drummer boy," was an old 
resident of the district. He was a 
drummer boy in the Mexican and 
Civil Wars, and for sixty-eight years 
was connected with the Ancient and 
Honorable Artillery Company as 
drummer. He died toward the close 




DANIEL SIMPSON, 



of the century, about ninety-five years of age 

Thomas Cains, glass manufacturer, 
arrived in South Boston in 181 2, and 
soon afterward started the Phcenix 
glass works at the foot of B Street. 
No resident of the district was held 
in higher esteem than he, and his 
home was one of the handsomest in 
the district. He had five daughters and 
two sons, of whom Joseph and William 
Cains are the only ones now living. 
Susan Cains married William Johnston, 
who afterward was a member of the 
firm of Cains ; Harriet Cains married 
Joseph Storey ; Mary Cains married 
John Kelly ; Rebecca Cains married 
Andrew Riley, and Annie Cains mar- 
ried Benjamin Means. William Cains, 
one of the sons, attended the Hawes 
school in its early days, and entered his 
father's business in 1832 




THOMPSON BAXTER 



Thompson Baxter, born in Boston, March 12, 181 5, moved to South 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



220 




MISS MARY BAXTER. 



Boston five years later. He attended the old Hawes school, graduating 

with the class of 1827, and then secured a position in the Columbia 

National Bank, first as clerk and later as 

bookkeeper, where he remained a great 

many years. He was a member of 

the Hawes Unitarian Congregational 

church, and occupied many church 

offices. He was a trustee of the Hawes 

fund, and one of South Boston's most 

estimable citizens. He was a member 

of Bethesda lodge, No. 30, I. O. O. F., 

the Hawes School Association, Bernice 

Rebekah Lodge and Mt. Washington 

Encampment, I. O. O. F. For many 

years he lived at 27 G Street, where he 

died, May 28, 1900, mourned by all 

who knew him. 

South Boston has also had many 

remarkable women, not the least 

important of whom was Miss Mary 

Baxter, sister of Thompson Baxter, and 

grand-daughter of Abraham Gould, one 

of the pioneer settlers of South Boston. 

lady and a beautiful character. For several years she kept a private 

school on E Street, between Broadway 
and Silver Street. She died about 
1 89 1. 

Mrs. Mary D. Peavey, born in 
Hollis, Me., May 16, 1795, died in 
South Boston, at the home of her 
daughter, Mrs. J. W. Tower, i i Atlan- 
tic Street, in June, 1901, at the age of 
106. Mrs. Peavey, in her girlhood days, 
attended school at Tuftonboro, N. H. 
Here she met and married Mr. M. D. 
Peavey, and in 1845, on the death of 
her husband, she removed to South 
Boston. Up to within a few years of 
her death she spent much of the sum- 
mer season at her old home. 

Mention must be made of E. H. 
Brainerd, who for many years manufac- 
tured carriages at the corner of Sixth 
Street and Dorchester Avenue; of 

Sumner Crosby, who occupied many positions of public trust in the 

Common Council, the Legislature and the Senate; Otis D. Dana, 



She was an accomplished 




MRS MARY D. PEAVEY. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



wholesale hardware dealer ; Benjamin Dean, who once represented the 
district in Congress; Henry A. Drake, for whom the Drake school was 
named, and who was a son of Jeremy Drake, another well known 
citizen ; Josiah Dunham, senior and junior ; William H. Harding, once 
master of the Lawrence school ; Dr. Samuel G. Howe, of the Perkins 
Institution for the Blind ; Benjamin James, a full account of whose 
usefulness as a citizen is recorded elsewhere in this volume ; George 
B. James, son of Benjamin, well known in the newspaper world; Vincent 
LaForme, a member of the Pulaski Guards in 1 846, commissioner of 
public institutions in 1889, 1890 and 1891 ; William McCullough, the 
first florist in South Boston, who had charge of the Public Gardens 
in 1847; Dr. Liberty D. Packard, once a member of the school 
committee ; John Souther, head of the Globe Iron works ; Gilbert 
Wait, for whom Wait's hall was named ; Hon. Patrick A. Collins, 
who began his long, eventful and excellent career in public life 
as a member of the Legislature from South Boston ; David Clapp ; 
Capt. Michael J. Driscoll ; Edward B. Rankin, the well known and able 
newspaper writer ; James Milligan, Ezra Perkins and Samuel R. 
Spinney, a well known State Street broker, member of the Board of 
Aldermen and afterwards Police Commissioner ; John J. McClusky, 
for many years bass soloist of the Cathedral choir and remarkable for 
his excellent character, lovable disposition and many acts of charity ; 
Capt. William Drew, who lived at the corner of E Street and Broad- 
way ; William Dorr ; Solon Jenkins, deacon of the Baptist church, in 
the seventies ; Stephen Glover, a well known sea captain, who had two 
sons who also followed the sea ; Rev. Joseph Clinch, for twenty-seven 
years pastor of St. Matthew's Episcopal church and chaplain of the 
House of Correction ; Dr. Fogg, a leading physician of the district ; 
Rev. William A. Blenkinsop, for many years pastor of St. Peter and 
Paul's church; Rev. T. J. Mahoney, of St. Augustine's chapel, a man of 
fine character ; John H. Keating, a soldier in the Civil War, who, while 
a member of the F"orty-fifth Massachusetts Regiment, planted the state 
standard at Sherburn, North Carolina, the first flag to be placed on the 
top of the breastworks of the enemy in that memorable conflict. 

Many of the old residents recall Josiah Stearns, first master of the 
Lawrence school, who afterward occupied a similar position in the 
Norcross school ; Levi Walbridge, who was in the furniture business on 
new Washington Street and Ezra Perkins, who carried on a cooperage 
business corner of C and Fifth Streets. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Industries of the Nineteenth Century. 

Industrial activity gradually lessens — Once leading manufactories obliged to close up or 
move to other fields — Causes — South Boston iron works — Adams' printing press 
and machine shops — Iron foundries — Globe locomotive works — The chain 
factory — Washburn's wire works — Brooks' ship yard — Glass making establish- 
ments — Dunham's rope works — Downer's kerosene oil works — The brick yard 
and other places. 

S( )UTH Boston, during its less than one hundred years of existence, 
has passed through many industrial epocs. At first but little 

attention was given, by the founders of the district, to the building 
of mills and factories, their desire being rather to make a residental 
section. From the outset, however, business enterprises were estab- 
lished, and fifty years after annexation there was no busier community 
in the entire country than South Boston. 

Before and for a short time after the Civil War there was the 
greatest activity in industrial circles in the peninsula, and the entire 
country looked to South Boston for the most povverful guns, the 
swiftest vessels, the best of machinery, and the finest of glass and fancy 
ware. Thousands of men were employed, the din and clatter of the 
workmen's hammer were heard throughout the district, and the youth of 
the day loved to watch the chain making on Third Street, or the cast- 
ing of guns in Alger's, or the launching of some big ship on the South 
Boston shore. 

But soon there came a change. It was evident that such work 
was to leave this territory. The unavoidable expense of shipping coal 
and iron from the south and west soon compelled the manufacturers to 
change their location. It was impossible to compete with firms in a 
similar line of business elsewhere in the United States, and by 1880 
there was nothing of the former clang of the hammer or anvil, and the 
old manufactories gradually disappeared. 

More than one hundred thriving and busy workshops could easily 
be mentioned in a list of the leading manufactories of the nineteenth 
century, but space will not allow it. A few of the most important will, 
therefore, have to be sufficient. 

South Boston Iron Works. This establishment was one of the 
first, and probably the greatest foundry that was ever located in South 
Boston. Its original location, corner of what is now E and Second 
Streets, was the first for any foundry in New England. Cyrus Alger, 
in 1809, formed a partnership with Gen. Winslow and erected that first 
building. In a few years Gen. Winslow retired in favor of his son, and 



2 X2 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



then Mr. Alger started in for himself, erecting a foundry on Fourth 
Street, near the bridge. 

During the war of 1812, when Mr. T. H. Perkins was associated 
with him, Mr. Alger fulfilled many contracts with the government for 
guns and cannon balls. In other lines he did a big business, which in- 
creased so rapidly that he soon had to enlarge his plant. Mr. Alger 
purchased all the territory west of the Turnpike, from the North Free 
Bridge to a point opposite where now is Fifth Street, including all the 
flats in front of the sea wall, to the channel, or low water mark. 




ALGERS EXTERIOR FROM THE SOUTH BRIDGE, 1850. 

After this purchase Mr. Alger repaired the sea wall and gradually 
filled up the flats, having in mind that immense plant which he suc- 
ceeded in establishing a few years later. 

In 1827, associating with George C. Thacher, William H. Howard 
and Caleb Reed, the latter as treasurer, Mr. Alger formed the South 
Boston Iron Company, improved his property, built a wharf and erected 
a new foundry building. Other shops were started in the vicinity, the 
land was improved and the entire flats inside of the commissioners' 
line, and west of Foundry Street, were filled in. 

So rapidly did the Alger plant grow that by 1850 the South Boston 
Iron Works was the largest in the country. It consisted of a large 
brick gun-shop, a moulding and casting building, a pattern and cleaning" 
shop, with several other necessary buildings. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



233 







ALGER S FOUNDRY, EXTERIOR. 




ALGER S FOUNDRY, INTERIOR. CASTING GUNS. 



34 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




One of the most expert and practical metallurgists in the United 
States, Mr. Alger succeeded in purifying cast-iron so as to give 
it triple the strength of ordinary cast-iron, the process consisting of 
removing the impurities from the metal while it was in a fluid state, 
and causing it to be much more dense. 

For this specialty he received large contracts from the government 
for large cannon and mortars, his guns standing greater tests than any 
other manufactured in the country. The mortar gun " Columbiad," 
the largest gun ever cast in America up to 1850, was made under his 
personal supervision. He made great improvements in the manufac- 
ture of bombs, cast iron chilled rolls, by which the part, subject to the 
most wear, was chilled hard. 

Not only in iron work did he excel. The first perfect bronze 

cannon ever made 
"for the United 
"' ^ States Ordnance 

Department was 
made by him, 
and another for 
the State of 
Massachusetts. 

In 1829, with 
several capitalists 
of Halifax, Mr. 
Alger built the 
first smelting fur- 
nace in the l^ritish Provinces, the machinery for which was made at the 
South Boston works. 

Mr. Alger was the first employer in South Boston to introduce 
the ten hour system in his works, and in many other ways he endeared 
himself to his employees. 

Adam's Printing Press and Machine Shops. — For many years this 
establishment was one of the leading shops in the district, and employed 
hundreds of men. It was located just north of the Alger foundry, in 
the vicinity of what is now P^ngine 15. This firm turned out, in large 
quantities, printing presses, book machinery, sugar mills, steam engines 
and steam boilers. It was this firm that first invented the famous 
Adams press, the conception of Isaac Adams, which has so revolution- 
ized printing. The Adams works were established in 1836 by Seth 
Adams, the well known sugar refiner (brother of Isaac). 

Fulton Iron Foundry. — George C. Thacher, previously associated 
with Mr. Alger, originated the Fulton Company, and with him were 
Thomas Thacher, his brother, and William G. Billings. In 1836 the 
corporation was formed and the works were built on P'oundry Street, 
between what is now the Broadway Bridge and Federal Street Bridge, 
A_ year after starting, the works were enlarged, and again in 1842.. 



SOUTH BOSTON IRON FOUNDRY. 1875. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 235 

Still the business increased until it was a close second to the famous 
Alger foundry. The land occupied by the company extended over 
three acres, with excellent water facilities, and every conceivable 
apparatus for iron castings. Large castings for the steamer Saranac 
were made by the Fulton Company, and their contracts for work were 
from all sections of the United States. 

Globe Locomotive Works. — At the corner of First and A Streets, 
this business was first started in 1846, by Messrs. Lyman and Souther. 
In 1849, the latter purchased the former's interest and conducted the 
business under the name of the Globe Works, until May, 1851. In 
that year, business having increased, the plant formerly occupied by 
Jabez Coney, on Foundry Street, was leased, and in both places together 
more than three hundred men were employed. Mr. Souther had associ- 
ated with him in 1852 and i8'-;3, Joseph R. Anderson, during which 
period the works constructed the large borer for the tunnelling of Hoosac 
Mountain. The weight of this borer was more than one hundred tons 
and was the admiration of all who examined it. 

In 1853 the establishment on A Street was greatly enlarged, and 
the following year a stock company was organized with John Souther 
as president and D. N. Pickering, treasurer. For many years there- 
after the company turned out $350,000 worth of machinery annually, 
such as locomotives, excavators, sugar mills, stationary engines, boilers 
and general machinery. 

Coney's Foundry. — This foundry was in business from 1837 
until 1850, when, owing to the illness of Mr. Coney, it was .suspended 
and the shop closed. The two biggest contracts of this concern were 
the building of the iron steamer McLean, for the United States, in 
1843, and five years later Mr. Coney contracted with the United States 
government to build the machinery for the war steamer Saranac, the 
hull of which was built at the navy yard in Portsmouth. X. H. 

Harrison Loring Works. — Harrison Loring served his apprentice- 
ship with Jabez Coney, and in 1847 commenced the manufacture of 
machinery on his own account. He was first located on West Plrst 
Street, where he built the machinery for the steamer City of Boston, 
remodelled the machinery of the United States steamship John Han- 
cock, and also built the screw propeller Enoch Train. In later years, 
removing to City Point, he had a large establishment on East P'irst 
Street, near L Street, wdiere he built several vessels for the United 
States government, notabl)' the cruiser Marblehead, lighthouse stations 
and government tugs. 

Union Works. — Next to the South Boston Iron Works was the 
establishment of the L^^nion Works, of which Seth Willmarth was pro- 
prietor. Mr. Willmarth was in business but a few years, increasing 
steadily, until he made a contract for thirty locomotives for the Erie 
Railroad, and there being some difificulty about the payment for the 
same, he was obliged to suspend. 



236 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Bay State Iron Company. — The " rolling mill " was an establish- 
ment where hundreds of men were employed during South Boston's 
palmiest days. Many of the present generation remember the large 
establishment on East First Street, between I and K Streets. For 
nearly half a century it did a flourishing business, and ceased opera- 
tions in the eighties. 

Ralph Crooker, who had been superintendent of the Boston Iron 
Company, started this establishment about 1840, and associated with 
him was John H. Reed, as treasurer. Railroad iron for tracks, and the 
like, was the principal article manufactured and the work was of a 
superior quality. For many years, so rushing was the business, that 
the works were going night and day. The process of rolling the steel 
was most interesting to strangers, hence the name " rolling mill." 

Cotton and Hill's Chain Factory. — Corner of F and Third Streets 
was the large establishment of Cotton & Hill, where ship chains, and in 
fact, chains of all kinds, were rolled out. As the schoolboy passed the 
door he gazed in with wide open eyes as the big chain was taken from 
the furnace, red-hot, and hammered and tempered. 

Washburn's Wire Works.— On Dorchester Avenue was the wire 
works, devoted entirely to the making of wire in all shapes and sizes. 
The hammering of the iron into bars and drawing it into wire was done 
to the amazement of onlookers. Henry S. Washburn was the founder 
of the business, and he sold out to Naylor & Co., who conducted it 
many years. 

Alger and Reed's Forge. — Here were forged large anchors and 
other big work, and the establishment was located side of the wire 
works, near Broadway. Cyrus Alger was one of the promoters of this 
place, and it was conducted under the firm name of Alger & Reed until 
Mr. Alger's death, when Edward Reed undertook to run it, but it soon 
passed into the hands of Francis Alger. 

Shipbuilding. 

Lot Wheelwright is said to have been the first shipbuilder in 
South Boston. He was building ships at the foot of Dorchester Street 
as early as 181 8. It was not until 1822, however, that this began to 
be one of the leading industries of the district. 

Capt. Noah Brooks came to South Boston, and in 1822 set 
up at the foot of F Street, and for many years did a big business in 
this line. His vessels were renowned, and sailed to all ports of the 
world. He employed a large number of men. Soon E. and H. Briggs 
affiliated with Mr. Brooks and the company built many ships. In 1847 
the partnership was dissolved, Messrs. Briggs removing to the Point, 
and on East First Street, near K Street, built ships for more than a 
score of years. Among the largest of the vessels they built were the 
Newton, 450 tons; Reliance, 450 tons; Oxenbridge, 580 tons; Mary 
Glover, 650 tons; Berkshire, 650 tons; Southern Cross, looo tons; 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



'o7 



Northern Light, 1050 tons; Cape Cod, 850 tons; Winged Arrow, i 150 
tons; Meteor, 11 50 tons; Golden Light, 11 50 tons; John Land, 11 50 
tons; Bonita, 11 50 tons; Cyclone, 1150 tons; Boston Light, 11 80 
tons; Star Light, 11 80 tons; Grace Darling, 1240 tons; Cossack, 600 
tons; Vitula, 1185 tons; Mameluke, 1300 tons; Fair Wind, 1300 tons; 
Alarm, 1200 tons; Joseph Peabody, 1200 tons, and the Asa Eldridge, 
1300 tons. 

As mentioned before, Harrison Loring was also in the shipbuilding 
business, in fact was the last one to build ships in South l^oston. 




SHIP BUILDING IN 1835 



Earl}' in the century there were shipyards near the Turnpike, 
a short distance from the South Bridge. Then there was one on the 
south shore, foot of G Street. 



Glass Making. 

Thomas Cains was the pioneer glass manufacturer of flint and 
ground glass in the L^nited States. In 1811 he started the Phoenix 
Glass W^orks at the foot of B Street, where now would be the corner of 
B and First Streets. He soon removed to the opposite corner and ex- 
tended his works and did a big business. After removing from the 
first location, Andrew Jones moved in and conducted a similar business, 
and there was interesting rivalry between the two for a few years, but 
finally Mr. Jones had to succumb. Mr. Cains had things, in this line, 



2 -.8 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



all his own way for several years, but soon there was a spirited com- 
petition. William Cains, his son, was soon associated with him, and 
also a son-in-law, William Johnston. Mr. W^illiam Cains and Mr. 
Johnston conducted the business a few years, but on the death of Mr. 
Johnston, in 1857, the elder Cains again took up the reins and continued 
until his death in 1866. William Cains then conducted the business 
until 1870, when he retired to private life. 

The Mt. Washington Glass Works was on Second, near Dorchester 
Streets, and for many years was conducted by Luther Russell. Later 
Jarvis and Cormerais had the business and scores of men were employed. 




PHOENIX GLASS WORKS. 



The American Flint Glass Works was on Second Street, owned by 
P. F. Slane. In April, 1843, he commenced business in the old glass- 
house of the South Boston Glass Company and gradually he developed 
and extended the business. His establishment was destroyed by fire in 
1852, but he rebuilt, yet in 1853 it was again destroyed. Nothing- 
daunted, he again rebuilt and spread his works until they covered 
87,500 square feet. 

The Suffolk Glass Works. — This establishment, at the foot of 
Mercer Street, is probably the best known to the present generation. 
It was started by Joshua Jenkins, who conducted it for fifteen years, 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




and it changed hands several times afterward. The old building, aftei 
remaining unused for many years, was burned in 1900. 

Miscellaneous. 

Josiah Dunham's ropewalk, between Fourth and Fifth Streets, 
nearC Street, was one of South Boston's thriving industries in the 
early days, employed several hundred men, and turned out a variet}' of 
rope for ships and general purposes. 

Then there was Burton's ropewalk on Quincy Street, afterward 
named Bowen Street, between 
D and E Streets. This was r- 
started about 1840. 

The Boston Cordage Com- 1 

pany started business, corner of ; 
N and Sixth Streets, in 1887, 
but by 1896, owing to lack of 
business the establishment was 
closed. 

The Norway Iron Works 
was built about 1845, and Mr. 
English had control for man)' 
years. It did a thriving busi- 
ness for fort}' years manufac- 
turing all kinds of machinery 
and wire. 

Downer's Kerosene Oil Works was on Mrst, near B Street, and 
was a hustling, lively place, until the great s)'ndicate bought up all the 
oil places in the country. Jenney's Oil Works, corner of First and B 
Streets, has been in that location many )ears and is yet doing a big 
business. 

Gerrish's brick yard on Broadway, between B and C Streets, 
covered a large tract of land and the kilns turned out thousands of 
bricks a week. Harris's brick yard was also a bus)' place. Osgood's 
brick yard was another establishment. 

Some of the largest manufacturing establishments of the nineteenth 
century have been mentioned. But old residents remember just as 
distinctly the Mattapan Works, corner of A and Second Streets, where 
Putnam, Whittemore & Co. manufactured steam engines and planing 
machines; Thomas F^arl's soap factory on the Turnpike where he made 
hard and soft soap ; Howard's brass and copper foundry on Foundry 
Street, near the railroad crossing, where were to be had all kinds of 
brass, composition and copper castings ; Brainerd's wagon factory 
corner of the Turnpike and Fourth Street ; the Cuba Iron Company, 
the Suffolk Lead Works, the Plough Factory, Stevens, Ingalls & Co.'s 
brass foundry and P. A. Sylvester's machine shop. 



SUFFOLK GLASS WORKS. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Statistics of a Century. 

Population at various periods since anne.xation — Population, by precincts, 1895 and 
IQOO — Real and personal estate valuations, tax, and number of polls at various 
periods since 1S35 — Representatives in the State government — Representation in 
the Board of Aldermen from beginning of the city. 

The population of South Boston at various periods since annexa 
tion was as follows : — 




Population, by precincts, showing losses and gains, 1 895-1900 



Ward 13. 




J 895. 


1900. 


Precinct 


I 


3,678 


3,279 




2 

3 

4 

5 
6 

7 


4,230 
2,777 

2,965 
2,829 
2,697 
2,821 


2,945 

2,588 

2,839 
2,928 

2,295 
2,883 




8 


2,903 


3,078 



Total, 



14,900 



=,835 



Ward 14, 




1895. 


J 900. 


Precinct 


I 


3,209 


3,804 




2 


2,572 


2,707 




3 


1,652 


1,800 




4 


2,057 


1,984 




5 


2,238 


2,738 




6 


2,333 


2,356 




7 


2,855 


3,342 




8 


2,270 


2,722 



Total, 



19,186 



21,453. 



Ward 15. 




1895. 


J 900. 


Precinct 


I 


2,409 


2,109 




2 


2,340 


3,071 




3 


2,537 


2,794 




4 


2,345 


2,040 




5 


2,33^ 


2,123 




6 


2,172 


2,121 




7 


2,244 


2,923 




8 


2,245 


2,519 



Total, 



18,623 



19,700 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



241 



The following table, showing the value of real estate, personal 
estate, total valuation, tax, and number of polls, is very interesting, and 
indicates the stages of growth : — 



Years. 



Real Estate. 



1835 
1840 

1845 
1850 

1855 
*i87o 
*i875 
1880 
1885 
1890 

1895 
tigoo 



5506,200 

753.400 

2,900,000 

4,542,000 

6,280,600 

23.i9i'3oo 

43,346,600 

26,996,800 

29,036,100 

35.439.700 

37.702,300 

42,727,600 



Personal Estate 



$115,500 

155.500 

567,800 

762,600 

1,695,000 

5,616,900 

5.581,500 

4,014,500 

2,625,300 

2,444,300 

2,264,600 

3,837,000 



Total Valuation 



$621,700 

908,900 

3,467,800 

5.304.600 

7,975,600 

28,808,200 

48,928, 1 00 

31,01 1,300 

31,661,400 

37,884,000 

39,966,900 

46,564,600 



Tax. 



Polls. 



$7,131 49 
ir.583 40 
22,460 46 
39,810 40 
65,300 12 
440,765 46 

670,314 97 

456,171 76 

405,265 92 

503,857 20 

511.576 32 
684,499 62 



734 
1,027 
1,796 
2,160 
2,592 
5.578 
14,562 

13.769 
17,230 

18, lOI 
19,194 

18,457 



* The figures for 1870 and 1875 show the valuation and tax of wards 7 and 12, entire 
A portion of ward 7, and included in these figures, was in the city proper, across the 
bridge. It was impossible to procure exact valuation for South Boston for these years. 

t In 1900 a portion of ward 16 was in South Boston. Figures given here are of wards 
13, 14 and 15 only. 

Representatives in the State government in the last quarter 
century were as follows : 

1875.— Senator Hugh J. Toland, 6th Suffolk ; Representatives Thomas 
F. Fitzgerald, John B. Martin and James T. Mahony, ward 7 ; and 
Representatives Richard Pope and Thomas Johnson, ward 12. 

T876.— Senator John F. Fitzgerald, 6th Suffolk; Representatives 
Lyman S. Hapgood and Alonzo Warren, ward 13; and Representatives 
Michael J. Croak, James F. Supple and Patrick Barry, ward 7. 

1877.— Senator Thomas F. Fitzgerald, 5th Suffolk; Representatives 
James T. Mahony and James \V. Fox, ward 13; Charles J. Noyes and 
Alonzo Bancroft, ward 14; Alonzo Warren and Martin T. Glynn, ward 15. 

1878.— Senator Thomas Gogin, 5th Suffolk; Representatives James 
T. Mahony and John B. Shea, ward 13 ; Charles J. Noyes and Alonzo Ban- 
croft, ward 14; Alonzo Warren and Stephen A. Stackpole, ward 15. 

1879.— Senator John B. Martin, 5th Suffolk; Representatives James 
A. McGeough and T. F. FitzGerald, ward 13 ; Charles J. Noyes and George 
H. Bond, ward 14. Alonzo Warren and John F. McMahon, ward 15. 

1880.— Senator Alonzo Warren, 5th Suffolk; Representatives James 
A. McGeough and James T. Mahony, ward 13; Charles J. Noyes and 
George H. Bond, ward 14; George W. Bail and Frank A. Clapp, ward 15. 

1881.— Senator John B. Martin, 5th Suffolk; Cornelius F. Cronin and 
James A. McCJeough, ward 13; Charles J. Noves and Arthur H. Wilson, 
ward 14; George W. Bail and Frank A. Clapp, ward 15. 

1882.— Senator Charles T. (Gallagher, 5th Suffolk; Representatives 
Cornelius F. Cronin and Dennis F. Brennan,"" ward 13; Charles J. Noyes 
and Arthur H. Wilson, ward 14 ; Henry C. Towle and Oliver G. Fernald, 
w^ard 15. 



242 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



1883. — Senator James A. McGeough, 5th Suffolk; Representatives 
Cornelius F. Cronin and Francis O'Brien, ward 13 ; Horace L. Bowker and 
William H. Frizzell, ward 14; Oliver G. Fernald and Charles \V. Donahoe, 
ward 15. 

1884. — Senator Cornelius F. Cronin, 5th Suffolk; Representatives 
John J. Maguire and Francis O'Brien, ward 13; Fdward F. Ho3mes and 
Horace L. Bowker, ward 14; Michael J. Creed and Henry F. Hosley, 
ward 15. 

1885. — Senator Henry F. Naphen, 5th Suffolk; Representatives John 
J. Maguire and Robert C. Murray, ward 13; Richard F. Tobin and John 
A. Collins, ward 14 ; Michael J. Creed and William Corbett, ward 15. 

1886. — Senator Henry F. Naphen, 5th Suffolk; Representatives John 
J. Maguire and James Sullivan, ward 13; Richard F. Tobin and John A. 
Collins, ward 14 ; Michael J. Creed and Peter J. Reardon, ward 15. 

1887. — Senator Oliver G. Fernald; Representatives James E. Pray 
and James Sullivan, ward 13 ; David J. Hagerty and Charles J. Noyes 
(Speaker of House), ward 14; Michael Garity and Peter J. Reardon, 
ward 15. 

1888. — Senator John A. Collins; Representatives Thomas F. Sulli' an 
and Fdward J. Leary, ward 13 ; David J. Hagerty and Charles J. Noyes 
(Speaker of House), ward 14; Michael Garity and Frank F. Woods, 
ward 15. 

iSSc). — Senator John A. Collins; Representatives Fdward J. Leary 
and Michael J. Moore, ward 13 ; Robert F. Means and John H. Crowley, 
ward 14 ; William S. McNary and Joseph Nolan, ward 15. 

1890. — Senator Michael J. Creed; Representatives Michael J. Moore 
and Jeremiah J. McNamara, ward 13 ; Robert F. Means and George H. 
Bond, ward 14 ; William S. McNary and John B. Lynch, ward 15. 

1S91. — Senator William S. McNary; Representatives Daniel Mc- 
Carthy and Jeremiah J. McNamara, ward 13 ; Charles J. Chance and 
Richard F. McSolla, ward 14; John H. Coffey and John B. Lynch, 
ward 15. 

1892. — Senator William S. McNary; Representatives Daniel McCarthy 
and Thomas A. Quinn, ward 13 ; Charles J. Chance and Richard F. 
McSolla, ward 14; Joseph J. Casey and John B. Lynch, ward 15. 

1893. — Senator Edward J. Leary ; Representatives Joseph J. Kelly and 
Thomas A. Quinn, ward 13 : James F. Gleason and Daniel J. Kinnaly, 
ward 14; William H. McMorrow and Enoch J. Shaw, ward 15. 

1894. — Senator Edward J. Leary; Representatives Joseph J. Kelly 
and Michael P. Geary, ward 13 ; James F. Gleason, and Daniel J. Kinnaly, 
ward 14 ; William H. McMorrow and Joseph J. Casey, ward 15. 

1895. — Senator William H. McMorrow: Representatives James A. 
Gallivan and Michael P. Geary, ward 13 ; Daniel J. Barry and Joseph J. 
Norton, ward 14 ; James F. Creed and John G. Horan, ward 15. 

1896. — Senator William H. McMorrow; Representatives James A. 
Gallivan and James S. McKenna, ward 13 ; Daniel J. Barry and Joseph J. 
Norton, ward 14; James F. Creed and Michael J. Reidy, ward 15. 

1897. — Senator James A. Gallivan; Representatives James S. Mc- 
Kenna and James B. Clancy, ward 13 ; John F.. Baldwin and John J. 
Toomey, ward 14; John A. McManus and Michael J. Reidy, ward 15. 

1898. — Senator James A. Gallivan ; Representatives Hugh W. Bresna- 
han and James B. Clancy, ward 13; John E. Baldwin and David J. Gleason, 
ward 14; William Kells, Jr., and John A. McManus, ward 15. 

1899. — Senator John E. Baldwin; Representatives Hugh W. Bresna- 



IIiyTURV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



243 



han and Frederick C. Mahony, ward 13 ; Michael J. Sullivan and John J. 
Toomey, ward 14: William Kells, Jr., and Daniel X. Mclsaac, ward 15. 

igoo. — Senator John E. Baldwin; Representatives Michael J. Lydon 
and Frederick C. Mahony, ward 13 ; Michael J. Sullivan and David J. 
Gleason, ward 14; Daniel V. Mclsaac and William S. McXary, ward 15. 

1901. — Senator James B. Clancy; Representatives Michael J. Lydon 
and William J. Sullivan, ward 13; Daniel J. Barry and Edward L. Logan, 
ward 14; John D. Fenton and William S. McNary, ward 15. 

Represented in the Governor's Council. — 1886 and 1887, by Col. 
Lawrence J. Logan; 1901, by Jeremiah J. McNamara. 

Represented in Congress. — 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, and 1888, by 
Patrick A. Collins; 1900 and 1901, by Henry F. Naphen, re-elected for 
1902 and 1903. 

South lioston has been represented in the Board of Alderman 
since Boston became a city in 1822, as follows: 



1824 Cyrus Alger 1869 

1827 Cyrus Alger 
1 83 1 Adam Bent 

1834 Josiah Dunham 

1835 Josiah Dunham 

1836 Josiah Dunham 1870 

1837 Thos. Richardson 

1838 Thos. Richardson 

1839 Thos. Richardson 187 i 
1842 Larra Crane 1872 

1844 Larra Crane 

1845 Samuel S. Perkins 

1846 Thomas Jones 1873 

1847 Thomas Jones 

1849 Samuel S. Perkins 

1850 Samuel S. Perkins 

1852 Benjamin James 1874 

1853 Benjamin James 

1854 JosiahDunham,Jr. 

1855 JosiahDunham,Jr. 1875 

1856 Eben Jackson 

1857 Benjamin James 

1858 Benjamin James 1876 

1859 William W. Allen 
i860 Harrison O.Briggs 

1861 Samuel R. Spinney 1878 

1862 Samuel R. Spinney 

1863 Samuel R. Spinney 

1864 Nathaniel C. Nash 1879 
George W.Sprague 1880 

3865 Nathaniel C. Nash 1881 
George W. Sprague 

1866 Benjamin James 1882 

Gilbert Wait 1883 

J 867 Benjamin James 1884 

Walter E. Hawes 1885 

ii868 Benjamin James 



Benjamin James, 1885 

(chairman) 1886 

Walter E. Hawes 
\^'illiam T. Van 

Nostrand 1887 

Walter E. Hawes 
Christopher A. 

Connor 1888 

Not reprt sented 
Stephen A. Stack- 
pole 
James Power 
James Power 1889 

Hiram Emery 
Solomon B. Steb- 1890 

bins 
James Power 1891 

Solomon B. Steb- 

bins 1892 

James I^ower 
Solomon B. Steb- 1893 

bins 
Solomon B. Steb- 1894 

bins 1895 

Choate Burnham 
Solomon B. Steb- 1896 

bins 1S97 

Lewis C. Whiton 
James J. Flynn 
James J. Flynn 1898 

James J. Flynn 

( until Mar. 2 i ) 
Charles H. Hersey 1899 
Thomas H. Delvin 1900 
Oliver G. Fernald 
Jeremiah H. Mul- 1901 

lane 



Oliver G. P^ernald 
William 1^. Carroll 
Charles AL Brom- 

wich 
William P. Carroll 
Charles M. Brom- 

wich 
William P. Carroll 

(died Jan. 28) 
James A. Murphy 

(from Feb. 28 ) 
Samuel Kelley 
James A. Murphy 
Samuel Kelley 
Edward J. Leary 
Thomas W. Flood 
Edward J. Leary 
Thomas W. Flood 
Edward J. Leary 
'I'homas \\'. Hood 
John J. Maguire 
Thomas W. Flood 
Not represented 
Thomas W. Flood 

( at large ) 
Not represented 
Josiah S. Dean 
Milton C. Paige 

(at large) 
Milton C. Paige 
Joseph J. Norton 

( at large) 
Not represented 
Michael W. Norris 
Joseph ]. Norton 
Michael W. Norris 
Joseph J. Norton 



HISTORY OF CASTLE ISLAND. 
Bv Edward P. B. Rankin. 

Oldest fortified place in continuous use in the United States — Situation — First steps to 
fortify the island — Capt. Nicholas Simpkins, first commander — Discontinuance of 
fort and removal of armament — Efforts to have the fort reconstructed finally suc- 
cessful — Committees visit the fort and report to the General Court — Capt. Daven- 
port killed while in command — Xew fortification of 1701 — The Castle in 1757 — 
Events leading up to the Revolution — Increase in the armament, 1769 — Lord 
Percy and Twenty-ninth Royal Regiment ordered to the Castle — Landing of 
Lord' Percy and troops at the island, intending to make an attack on Dorchester 
Heights — A storm prevents — Destruction of the fort by the British, March 20, 
1776 — Occupation of the island by Washington's men under Col. Crafts — The 
island ceded to the United States — Visit of President John Adams — Proposed fort 
named "Fort Independence" — Duel at the island — Work on the present fort com- 
menced in 1S33 — Its part in the Civil War — Abandoned as a garrisoned fort in 
1876 — Castle Island becomes a part of the Boston Park System — Converted into a 
mine and torpedo station during the Spanish American War — Fatal explosion of 
mines and explosives — Again added to the park system. 

B()STON having been the hot-bed of the Revolution, it is only 
natural that it should contain many points of great historic in- 
terest, and, in fact, it does, there being in and about the Hub more 
places that figured conspicuously in those troublesome times than in 
any other city, and Castle Island, known in those days as " The Castle," 
is by no means the least in importance. 

Castle Island is the oldest fortified place that has been in con- 
tinuous use in the United States. It has not seen any great active 
service in recent years and would be of little value in modern warfare. 
The government has always maintained an ordnance sergeant there^ 
and, at the breaking out of the Spanish American war, it took full 
possession of the island and used it as a mine and torpedo station. 

Castle Island is situated in Boston Harbor about two and one-half 
miles south-east of Boston and about two-thirds of a mile east of South 
Boston. It is a small i.sland, containing about twenty-one acres. 
According to old records it was the property of Massachusetts during 
its Colonial and Provincial times until ceded to the United States by 
the Commonwealth in 1798. 

Shortly after the settlement of Boston the civil authorities gave 
their attention to fortifying the place and the first movement toward 
this end is chronicled in the journal of Gov. John Winthrop under date 
of July 29, 1634, in which he states, that the governor and council with 
others met at Castle Island and there agreed upon erecting two plat- 
forms and a small fortification, and Roger Ludlow was selected as over- 
seer of the work. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 245 

It was decided to petition the General Court to provide for these, 
and a committee consisting of Messrs. Thomas Beecher, William Pierce, 
and Robert Moulton succeeded in getting the following order through 
the General Court the subsequent September : 

" That there should be a plattforme made on the north-east syde of 
Castle Ileland, & an house built on the topp of the hill to defend the 
said plattforme." 

This much being accomplished, a committee was next appointed 
to select the site for the fort and to arrange for the plan of work. The 
committee appointed comprised Capt. John Underbill, Daniel Patrick, 
John Mason, William Trask, Nathaniel Turner and Lieuts. Robert 
Feakes and Richard Morris. The committee soon had its plans 
arranged and the work began. 

There evidently was much interest in the undertaking as is shown 
by a vote passed by the General Court, March 4, 1634, " That the ffort 
att Castle Hand nowe begun, shalbe fully pfected, the ordnance mounted 
& evry other thing aboute it ffinished, before any other ffortificacon be 
further proceeded in." 

There were many orders in the early colonial records regarding 
the impressment of men to work on the fort, one of which, issued 
November 3, 1635, passed by the General Court, required the towns of 
Dorchester, Roxbury, Boston, Newton, Watertown and Charlestown to 
provide two men weekly for this purpose, to be paid out of the treasury 
of the colony. The records show that though remiss at times the task 
required was performed and the fort was finally completed and supplied 
with the necessary ordnance, munitions and garrison. 

It is evident that a commander was appointed before the fort was 
finished as Capt. Nicholas Simpkins (or Simkins) was the first com- 
mander of the fort, being in charge up to the latter part of 1635, when, 
owing to a deficiency in his accounts, he was removed by the General 
Court and Lieut. Edward Gibbons was appointed in his stead. Lieuten- 
ant Gibbons, however, was removed in turn and was succeeded by 
Lieut. Richard Morris, January 12, 1637. 

From incidents which occurred during his life he appears to have 
been a man of much determination. During his command it is recorded 
that three ships upon coming up the harbor, having sailed from Ip- 
swich, with three hundred and sixty passengers, on passing the island, 
were ordered to give an account of themselves. The last one for some 
reason failed to obey the summons and the gunner at the fort was 
ordered to put a shot across her bows. The shot, however, struck in 
the shrouds, killing a passenger. 

The governor charged an inquest the following day, and the testi- 
mony offered by the defence was to the effect that the powder on the 
touch-hole was damp and did not burn prompth", and that, in the mean- 
time, the vessel, under the influence of the tide, and with a fresh wind, 
had gained considerable headway, which resulted in the shot taking 



246 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

effect in the rigging. The decision reached was, " That he came to 
his death by the providence of God." 

Lieutenant Morris was not long in command, his downfall being 
brought about through ordering the red cross in the flag to be cut out, 
which act was carried out publicly. For this he was relieved of his 
command. Later, through the support he rendered Mrs. Ann Hutch- 
inson in her theological disputes, he was disarmed November, 1637, 
and was finally banished from the colony in September, 1638, and went 
to Exeter, New Hampshire. 

During this time the fort was evidently left to the care of the 
master cannoneer, as the next person appointed to command the work 
was Captain Robert Sedgwick, who was not commissioned until June,. 
1 64 1. During the interim the fort had fallen into decay, due greatly 
to the poor quality of lime used in its construction, which was obtained 
from burnt oyster shells. 

There was much dissatisfaction over the structure even when 
Lieut. Morris was in command, and the General Court, by a vote passed 
March, 1637, concluded to abandon it. This was reconsidered May 2, 
and it was agreed to allow individuals to garrison and maintain the fort, 
if they would notify the court as to their willingness within eight days. 
This was apparentl)' done as the fort was repaired and carried 
along. One hundred pounds and two hundred and fift)' pounds were 
obtained from the colony at different times, the last amount being used 
for the construction of a house and repairing the batteries. 

Besides these appropriations a grant was allowed for the removal 
of wood from the other islands in the harbor, but even this assistance 
was not sufficient to maintain the fort, and it gradually fell into decay, 
and finally. May 10, 1643, orders were issued for its discontinuance 
and for the removal of the ammunition and ordnance which were to be 
taken to Ipswich, Charlestown and Cambridge. 

A committee was subsequently appointed to let the island, which 
was done, a part of the record reading, " the Court gave Castle Island 
& the house there to Capt. Gibons, unlesse it bee implied to publiq use 
for fortification at any time hereafter." 

Little did they think how soon the lack of protection and the 
imperative necessity of a defensive work on the island would be forced 
upon them. It was but a month after the discontinuance of the fort, 
and while the Governor and his family were on their island (Governor's 
Island), that La Tour sailed up Boston harbor in a vessel of one hun- 
dred and forty tons, and carrying, including the crew, one hundred and 
forty persons. 

Though peace existed between the French and English at the 
time, there was some doubt about La Tour, whose vessel was recognized 
as soon as she came within s.ght. On coming abreast of Castle Island 
several guns were discharged from the vessel. 

Immediately there was much confusion on shore. Citizens in 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 247 

Boston and Charlestown, in response to siii,nals, promptly armed them- 
selves. Three shallops, tilled with armed men, went to Governor's 
island and brought him to his residence in Boston, and for a time there 
was great commotion. It was all unnecessary, however, for La Tour, 
in coming abreast of the island, simply discharged his guns as a salute, 
expecting one in reply, but there were neither guns, ammunition nor 
garrison with which to extend the expected courtesy. 

The occurrence had a great effect upon the people, however, the 
Governor referring to the incident as follows : " But here the Lord 
gave us occasion to notice our weakness." Continuing, he said, " If La 
Tour had been ill-minded toward us, he had such an opportunity as 
we hope he nor any other shall have the like again ; for coming to our 
Castle and saluting it, there was none to answer him, for the last Court 
had given orders to have the Castle-Island deserted, a great part of the 
work being fallen down, so as he might have taken all the ordnance 
there. Then, having the Governor and his family, and Captain 
Gibbons' wife, etc., in his power, he might have gone and spoilt Boston, 
and having so many men ready, they might have taken two ships in the 
harbor, and gone away without danger of resistance." 

Even though La Tour's visit made such an impression, it was 
impossible for the people of Boston to take any action regarding the 
restoration of the work, as it was by an order of the General Court 
that it was discontinued and deserted. A meeting of residents of Bos- 
ton and neighboring towns was held, however, and it was decided that 
the place must be fortified. Nothing could be done at that time as the 
General Court was not in session. Fortunately, five of the neighboring 
Indian tribes petitioned about this time to voluntarily submit them- 
selves to Massachusetts, and in order that this matter might be acted 
upon, a special session was accordingly held. 

This gave the looked for opportunity and six towns, Boston, Charles- 
town, Roxbury, Dorchester, Newton and Watertown, appointed repre- 
sentatives, who, receiving the endorsement of the governor and the 
ministers and elders of the church, went before the General Court and 
petitioned that the fort at Castle Island be repaired and carried on. 

Their efforts, however, were fruitless, and even when they asked 
for the privilege of repairing and continuing the place as a fortification, 
the reciuest was received with considerable opposition, it being charged 
that it would be of little use against a strong enemy, and that even 
though it was repaired and garrisoned, that there was a course open by 
Bird Island by which access to the inner harbor could be obtained. 

Their per.sistence, however, overcame the objectors, and not only 
did they obtain the privilege they asked but were granted permission 
"to take back unto the said iland such ordnance & ammunition as was 
lately fetched from thence, or so much thereof as they shall make use 
of, any former order to the contrary notwithstanding." 

Furthermore, a promise was made by the Court, that when the 



248 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

batteries had been repaired, the ordnance mounted and a fortification, 
fifty feet square, constructed of stone, timber and earth, with a wall ten 
feet in thickness and of proportionate height, that one hundred pounds 
per annum would be appropriated for its maintenance. 

In addition to this the Court appropriated one hundred pounds to 
be used in making Bird Island passage secure, the appropriations to be 
paid on the completion of the work. All this was done with the pro- 
viso that the place should still be under the control of the General 
Court, the towns having the privilege of appointing a commander. 

The work of repairing was begun, but, notwithstanding the 
strong desire for a proper fortification at this place, the towns were so 
delinquent in providing men, labor and supplies, that it was frequently 
necessary for constables to serve orders of the Court upon them. 
Boston, though negligent at times, agreed, January 10, 1643, to provide 
all the timber and place it in position on the top of the hill, providing 
the other towns would go on with their parts of the work, also offering 
inducements to secure ten families to make their residence there. 

In the meantime the Court sent five barrels of powder and a quan- 
tity of shot to the island to be used in defence of the place and the 
proper salutation of vessels. Action had also been taken regarding the 
appointment of a commander, and from the records it appears that the 
name of Thomas Coytmore of Charlestovvn, was proposed, May, 1644. 
He was not accepted, however, and Lieutenant Richard Davenport was 
chosen, November 13, 1644, and commissioned in July, 1645. 

The Court at the same time appropriated fifty pounds for a house 
for the commander. Shortly afterward one hundred and twenty pounds 
were appropriated, one hundred of which was to be expended in the 
reconstruction of the fort, and twenty for a boat. The five towns, 
Boston, Charlestown, Roxbury, Dorchester and Cambridge, were to 
support him, Watertown being relieved of this task for some reason. 

In response to several questions put to the Court by Lieutenant 
Davenport, before he assumed his responsibility, he received the follow- 
ing answers : His garrison would consist of twenty men for eight 
months in the summer season, the number to be reduced to ten for the 
winter, commencing in November ; he would be allowed to come to 
town every other Sunday ; he was to take care of the garrison as his 
own famil)- ; one half of the garrison only could come to town on the 
Lord's day ; he would have one-third of the island for his own use, 
one-tenth for his gunner, and the remainder for his garrison ; that he 
should send a boat to and examine every ship that approached the 
town ; that he could cut wood from any of the islands not disposed of ; 
that all trading vessels should be allowed to pass in and out of the 
harbor unmolested. 

From the records it appears that an appointment to the command 
of the Castle brought with it a promotion in rank, as Lieutenant Daven- 
port, after his appointment, was referred to as Captain Da\'enport. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



249 



Under his regime the fort and its garrison progressed, the five towns 
•evidently giving it the proper attention. 

On May 7, 165 i, the court issued an order, the substance of which 
was, " that the old English colors being a necessary badge of distinction 
between England and other nations (till the State of England shall 
alter the same, which we much desire, we being the same nation), that 
the captain of the Castle, should advance the colors of luigland upon 
the Castle upon all necessary occasions." It will be seen from the 
above quotation that the old feeling against the red cross again mani- 
fested itself, and from the part Captain Davenport took in the Salem 
affair, in 1634, which he perpetuated by naming his daughter Truecross 
Davenport, it must have been a disagreeable sight for him to see this 
flag floating over the Castle. 

Committees were regularly appointed to visit the Castle, observe 
the work and ascertain what the armament, military property, etc., con- 
sisted of, and the condition of affairs in general. The committee that 
performed this duty in 165 i, in its report, stated that there were six 
murtherers, two boats, a drum, two muskets and a suitable number of 
pikes for each soldier. 

In the report of a similar committee, August 30, 1653, a report 
was made to the General Court that repairs on the fortification were 
necessary. This was subsequently followed by an order from the 
Court which called for the building of a small fort, the cost of which 
was not to exceed three hundred pounds. The records fail to show 
positively that this fort was erected, but from an order of the Court in 
November, 1659, i'"' response to a bill presented by Captain Davenport, 
for repairing the new Castle, it is j^resumed that this was actually for 
the fulfilment of the order of August, 1653. 

In the meantime, October, 1654, another committee had visited 
the Castle and in its report stated that one of the boats had been lost 
and a drum destroyed, but the captain was exonerated from any blame 
in the loss. On January 28, 1655, the town of Boston loaned Captain 
Davenport a bell, the same having been the gift of Captain Cromwell. 

The following May another attempt was made to finish the Castle 
and to improve its equipment. Thus matters progressed until July 15, 
1665, when Captain Davenport, while lying upon his bed in his room, 
was killed by lightning during a heavy storm, while three others were 
injured. Captain Davenport was the onl)- commanding officer ever 
killed while in command of the Castle. 

A new commander, Capt. Roger Clap, was then appointed, being 
commissioned August 10, 1665, and shortly after his appointment the 
Court did much to improve the work. 

The promptness with which the Court acted was evidently a result 
of the intelligence that the Dutch naval commander, De Ruiter, had 
arranged to sail from the West Indies for Boston, to attack the town. 
De Ruiter sailed with this intent, but was driven off the coast by con- 



250 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

trary winds, and instead of coming here he put into Newfoundland and 
did considerable damage there. 

Captain Clap was greatly responsible for the many improvements 
made, however, as he was much interested in the Castle and en- 
deavored in every possible way to have it kept in proper condition. 
As a result of his efforts, coupled with those of other influential 
citizens, the Court provided for a constant garrison which was to com- 
prise a captain, a lieutenant and officers of lower rank, besides a squad 
of sixty-four men. In the appointment, the Court designated that 
Boston was to supply thirty men, Charlestown twelve, Dorchester 
twelve and Roxbury ten. 

It seemed at this time that the fort, having been so well provided 
for, would eventually become a first-class defensive work, but it was 
visited by fire March 21, 1672, which resulted almost in the total 
destruction of the i:)lace. The powder and the officers' and soldiers' 
property were saved. 

Despite this severe catastrophe the smouldering enmities between 
Holland and England stimulated the Court the following day to issue 
orders for a contribution of fifteen hundred pounds to replace the work, 
"as speedily as possible," bearing out this fact. 

On May 7, of the same year, the Court issued the following order : 
" Having considered the awful hand of God in the destruction of the 
Castle by fire, do order and appoint, first: That there be a small regular 
piece erected where the old Castle stood (not exceeding sixty feet square 
within, or proportionable), for the defence of the battery and entertain- 
ment of such garrison as may be met ; secondly, that the charge be 
defrayed by the late subscriptions and contributions to that end and 
what shall be wanting to their works be levied by a public rate, wherein 
those who have already contributed shall be considered according to 
what is already declared. And for the management of this affair and 
to conclude the matter and form of the said Castle and bring the same 
to a complete end as speedily as may be, the honored Governor, John 
Leverett, Esq., Captain William Davis, Captain Roger Clap, Captain 
Thomas Savage, and Mr. John Richards are appointed and empowered 
as a committee ; and what shall be concluded from time to time, by 
any three of this committee, the honored Governor being one, it shall 
be accounted a valid act to the ends aforesaid." 

Much credit is given Governor Leverett for the interest and care 
he manifested in its construction as well as the uninterrupted progress 
of the work, for, on October 7, 1674, the work had been completed,, 
and the following order was passed by the General Court : " It is. 
ordered that the whole Court on the morrow morning go to the Castle 
to view it, as it is now finished, and see how the country's money is 
laid out thereupon, and that on the country's charge." 

This, as shown by a later record, was done, and the work met with 
general favor. Captain Roger Clap again assumed command and the 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 25 1 

new defensive work, which had received the name of Fort William and 
Mary, in honor of the new king and queen of England, remained in his 
charge until 1686. This fort occupied the site now held by the present 
Fort Independence. 

An appropriation of two hundred pounds, to be used in repairing 
the Castle, was made in May, 1678. In May of the following year a 
committee visited the work and in its report gave a description of the 
armament. There were twenty-three mounted guns above on the 
Castle and se\en below in the battery and they reported that five small 
guns were wanted to clear the curtains above. From another record it 
appears that Captain Clap had a very small force of men at that time, 
there being but six, including himself and his gunner. How such a 
number of guns could be operated by so small a force the records do 
not reveal. 

Again matters took an uninterrupted course regarding the Castle 
until King James II. commissioned Joseph Dudley over his New Eng- 
land dominions. Shortly after he deposed him and appointed Sir 
Edmund Andros in his stead. This was in 1686, and Captain Roger 
Clap, being unwilling to serve under the usurper, resigned his command 
and Captain John Pipon was appointed to the position. He remained 
in command until April, 1689, when he was relieved and Captain John 
Fairweather was appointed April 19, 1689, to fill the position. 

Simon Bradstreet was appointed Governor, May 24, 1689, and a 
new charter was granted. Matters at the fort continued to run along 
without change, with the exception that from 1689 the fort came more 
directly under the dominion of the reigning monarch of England, it 
having been taken out of the hands of the people during Andros' brief 
governorship, and from that time on it was in charge of the Governor, 
or in his absence, the Lieutenant-Governor, or Deputy Governor, as he 
was sometimes called. 

But little mention is made of the fort up to 1701, when, being in a 
decayed condition, an order was issued that the old works be torn down 
and new ones erected in their stead. Col. William Wolfgang Romer, 
the king's engineer, a man of undoubted engineering skill, had charge 
of the work and under his direction the new structure, constructed 
chiefly of brick and cemented together with mortar made with lime 
obtained from burnt oyster shells, was erected on the top of the hill 
between the east and west heads. 

Col. Romer placed over the entrance to the new fort a white tablet 
twenty-five inches square which bore a Latin inscription, translated as 
follows : "In the thirteenth year of the reign of William the Third, 
most invincible King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, this forti- 
fication (called Castle William from his name) was undertaken ; and 
was finished in the second year of the reign of the most serene Ann, 
Queen of Great Britain, France and Ireland, and in the year of our 
Lord 1703. 



25' 



HISTORY OP^ SOUTH BOSTON. 



" Built by Colonel William Wolfgang Romer, chief military en- 
gineer to their royal majesties in North America." 

The left hand portion of this stone is in a good state of preserva- 
tion still, although the remainder has long since disappeared. It is 
understood that" a small portion of the wall of this fort was retained 
when the present work was constructed, but it is completely hidden 
from view by the large granite blocks. This ancient relic, it is under- 
stood, comprises a small section of the rear wall. 

The fortification of i;©! proved to be a work of defense worthy of 
the title, for it remained, with occasional repairs, in an excellent state 
of preservation until the Evacuation of Boston by the British in 1776, 
at which time it was badly injured by fire set by the retreating red- 
coats, the guns being dismounted and spiked and other damage done by 
them before they left, forever. 

Captain Zachariah Tuttle, a military officer and also a member of 
the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, was commander of the 
new fort from 1710 to 1720. In this year it was found necessary to 
secure the east and west ends of the island from the action of the sea 
and a committee was accordingly appointed to investigate, and the 
following report was submitted November 15, 1720: "We have re- 
viewed the works and find them well finished, and find it absolutely 
necessary that the east and west heads be well secured by good sub- 
stantial wharves, and that there be new coverings for the guns at the 
lower battery to be ready for service." The report was subsequently 
accepted, and later the heads were protected by driving piles and the 
erection of wharves, and white oak carriages were made for the guns. 

Captain Tuttle remained in command of the fort until succeeded 
by the Hon. William Drummer, Deputy Governor, and he in turn was 
succeeded by Captain John Larrabee, who was appointed commander 
in 1725. 

Many committees visited the Castle about tins time, and on one 
occasion, in 1732, Governor Jonathan Belcher, Lieut. Governor Spencer 
Phipps, with many gentlemen, escorted several sachems of the Cagna- 
waga Indians to the Castle, and when Lieut. -Gov. Phipps presented his 
biltto the Court, it refused payment, "for that it was not lodged within 
the time prescribed by law." 

A proposition was offered in 1735 for the building of a new bat- 
tery. A committee was appointed and submitted its report June 30, 
1736, the substance of which was, that they found the works, including 
the platforms, carriages, copings and all wood work well done and in 
good repair, but the brick work was in poor condition, the mortar being 
soft and not holding to the stone properly. 

The new battery was soon under construction, the site selected 
being at the end of the island about one hundred and fifty feet from 
the old work, and it was joined to the main fort by a platform and 
palisades. Committees frequently visited the Castle about this time 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



253 



and man}- references are made in the old records regarding preparations 
for attack, the increase in armament and the enlistment of men. 

In the .spring of 1757 the King's council gave the command of the 
Castle to Sir William Peperell, who, on the arrival of Sir Thomas 
Povvnal, August 3 of the same year, delivered the keys to him with 
some ceremony. Governor Pownal was a man who evidently took 
much interest in his new field of labor and was somewhat of an artist, 
as shown by his view of Boston drawn from Castle Island in 1757. 

Some old charts of this time exhibit a pentagonal plan of the 
works, but if Governor Pownal's drawing is correct the works were 
quadrangular in form. The buildings were two stories in height, hav- 
ing large windows, and a striking feature ot the picture was the large 
chimney which reached far above the buildings themselves. This latter 
was blown down during a storm, October 23, 1761. A view of a few 
years later shows the work and also the old beacon pole on the easterly 
side of the hill, which was used for signaling to the city proper. 




CASTLE W;LLIAM. 1757. 



Besides the works already described, there was a block house at 
the north-westerly part of Castle Island, near the west head, while 
south of it, at the extreme westerl)- end, was the wharf, and at the 
southerly end was the old block house (thus named to designate it 
from the more modern structure). Both buildings were used at 
different times by the officers and men as a barracks. The north- 
easterly side, directly above East head, was occupied by Shirley's 
Battery, in close proximity to which were the two small wharves that 
stretched toward Point Shirley. This battery, which was of consider- 
able size, commanded Pulling Point Gut. 

From the history of the Castle one can trace the progress of 
events that actually lead up to the Revolution and the final overthrow 
of Britain's rule in the colonies. After Governor Pownal received the 



2 54 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



keys of the Castle, Captain Hutchinson was appointed to command and 
apparently remained in charge until 1770, when the colonies were 
placed under martial law, and, by orders of General Gage, Captain 
Hutchinson was compelled to give up his position. During his com- 
mand, however, there were many important changes in the Castle. 

In 1764 the commander was created a port and quarantine officer, 
this act probably being introduced as a means of keeping the king 
better informed on the amount of commerce and thereby making him 
so familiar that he could better levy and collect taxes. Thus matters 
progressed at the Castle until 1768. 

In this year, owing to the arrival of two British regiments from 
Halifax, by orders of General Gage, the military governor at that time, 
we find Governor Bernard and the King's council retiring in fear to the 
Castle to escape the wrath of the people. The trouble between the 
soldiers and the people continued, and, as it was evident that it would 
be but a short time before there would be open conflict, an order was 
issued in 1769 for an increase in the armament at the Castle. 

The following year General Gage removed Captain Hutchinson 
from command at the Castle, and March 6, 1770, the remainder of the 
garrison was removed and succeeded by Captain Dalrymple and the 
Twenty-Ninth Royal Regiment. From this time on, only the most 
trusted soldiers of the King were allowed to garrison the Castle. 

Though matters in Boston were assuming a more serious aspect 
daily, practically nothing of importance occurred there until after the 
evacuation of Boston. During the siege it is recorded that the gunners 
of the King occasionally bombarded Nook Hill with but little effect, 
and not infrequently did they turn their fire upon the house of Mr. 
Blake, at City Point, as he was known to be a patriot. 

Being in the possession of the King's soldiers, vessels with sup- 
plies for the troops in Boston had no hesitation about passing in and 
out of the harbor, and in this regard it proved a benefit to the redcoats. 
When, after Washington had fortified Dorchester Heights and Nook 
Hill, and it became imperative for Lord Howe to drive him out or quit 
Boston, the Castle proved a welcome spot for Lord Percy and his 
followers, who were ordered to make an attack upon the place March 

Percy left Boston with his command presumabl)- to make the 
attack, but, instead, went to the Castle, stating that he would cross 
over to the Heights under cover of darkness. This night attack was 
never made, however, for, during the afternoon, a severe storm came up 
which lasted through the night, reaching the height of its fury at mid- 
night and driving two or three of his vessels ashore. 

Through it all the Continental forces had been busy, and, when 
morning dawned, their works had been pushed forward to such an 
extent that the destruction of the British army was threatened unless it 
left Boston, and the evacuation was consequently decided upon. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



255 



On that memorable morning, March 17, 1776, the vessels of 
Admiral Shuldham sailed down Boston Harbor, bearing besides Lord 
Howe, who took passage with the Admiral, the British soldiers and 
more than a thousand tories. .\s Castle Island was passed some of the 
transports were left behind to take off Capt. Dalrymple and his men as 
well as Lord Percy and his troops, who were to have made the attack 
on the Heights. 

They, evidently, took their time about embarking, for on the night 
of March 20, 1776, they destroyed the Castle by setting it on fire. 
The following abstract from the diary of Dr. Warren regarding the 
incident is interesting: "March 20, 1776. This evening they burn 
the Castle and demolish it by blowing up all the fortifications there ; 
they leave not a building standing." 

This action was evidently deliberate as several of the vessels of 
the fleet anchored off Nantasket head, apparently to await the outcome 
and the arrival of the vessels bearing the men from the Castle. They 
were discovered there and dri\en off by a band of armed men gathered 
from the surrounding towns. 

This destruction was felt to be a severe blow to the Colonial forces 
at the time, it being feared that the British might return and destroy 
the town, but a detail of men was sent from Dorchester Heights, by 
Washington's orders, to take possession. 

They crossed what is now Pleasure Bay in several small boats, and 
landed. Upon reaching the ruins, they began at once to place them in 
condition to protect Boston, should the British return. 

Besides the general destruction wrought, the men under Col. 
Crafts found that the cascabels and the trunnions on the guns had been 
broken off, while the guns themselves had been spiked. By diligent 
work they soon had the works in a fairly tenable condition, and after 
the walls had been rebuilt and strengthened, the battered and broken 
armament was given attention. 

That sterling patriot whose name has been immortalized by Long- 
fellow in the story of his midnight ride — Paul Revere — was one of 
the detachment engaged in the work, and it was through his knowledge 
and inventive genius that the guns were repaired, carriages constructed 
and the pieces remounted. He replaced the broken and battered 
cascabels, bored primer vents, and in many ways aided in repairing the 
damage. As a result the fort was soon in good condition. 

The fort was manned by detachments from several military regi- 
ments and with Crafts' artillery train. It then received the name of 
Fort Adams, and ,vas placed in command of Colonel John Trumbull, 
who gained an international reputation later as a painter, by his historic 
pictures of the Revolution, in the rotunda of the Capitol at Washington. 

In 1779 the next occurrence of note was the raising of a company 
of artillery for special service at the Castle, of which General John 
Hancock was made captain, adding another distinguished name to the 



256 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

list of gallant commanders. He was succeeded by each successive 
governor, beginning with James Rowdoin, in 1787; John Hancock 
again, in 1793 ; Samuel Adams, in 1797, and Increase Sumner, its last 
governor-captain. 

October 2, 1798, after having existed for 164 years under colonial, 
provincial and state rule, Castle Island, the fort, twenty buildings, 
ordnance and stores were ceded to the United States. There was a 
proviso made, however, in which, by an act passed November, 1785, 
all persons sentenced to hard labor should be allowed to be kept on 
the island with a sufficient guard, and thus matters remained until the 
erection of the state prison in Charlestown in 1805. 

The year after it was ceded to the United States, 1799, President 
John Adams visited the place, and as the government was then con- 
templating the erection of a new and more substantial fortification at 
the island, he named the work Fort Independence. Work on the new 
fort was commenced May 7, 1800, and progressed without delay until 
its completion in January, 1803. 

As a recent writer says, " It was well for Boston that so good a 
defence stood ready to meet any attack during the period that suc- 
ceeded the next decade." It was known that the British anticipated 
making an attack on Boston during the war of 181 2, and this writer 
continuing says : " Doubtless Fort Independence won a bloodless vic- 
tory at this time, being strong and ready for an attack, and it is prob- 
able that this resulted in keeping the enemy at a proper distance." 

Reference has been made to dueling at the Castle, but the only 
one recorded is that m which Lieut. Robert F. Massie was killed. It 
is understood that duels were frequent, but evidently not fatal. Lieut. 
Massie's remains were buried at the island and a small marble monu- 
ment was erected by his brother officers to mark the spot. The south 
panel read : 

NEAR THIS SPOT 

ON THE 25TH, Deck, 181 7, 

FELL 

Lieut. Robert F. Massie, 
aged 21 years. 
On the west panel : 

Here honour comes, a Pilgrim gray. 
To deck the turf, that wraps his clay. 

On the north : 

beneath this stone 

are deposited 

the remains of 

Lieut. Robert F. Massie 

OF THE 

U. S. Regt. of Light Artillery. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 257 

On the west : 

THE OFFICERS OF THE U. S. 

REGIMENT OF LT. ARt'y 

ERECTED THIS MONUMENT 

AS A TESTIMONY OF THEIR RESPECT 

& FRIENDSHIP FOR AN 

AMIABLE MAN 

& 

Gallant Officer. 

There also stood a short distance from the west face of the fort a 
slate headstone inscribed : 

here lyes THE BODY OF 

Mr. Edward Pursley. 

he departed this LIFE 
AUG. 3 I ST 1767 
AGED 60 YEARS 
AND 4 MONTHS. 

This latter is the oldest memorial found on the island, the little 
graveyard at the west of this tablet containing no inscriptions previous to 
1850. All of these have since disappeared with the remains, all having 
been exhumed and re-interred at Governor's Island when Castle Island 
was opened to the public. It was thought by many that possibly the 
remains of some of the old commanders of the Castle might have been 
buried on the island. This is uncertain as the only one whose last rest- 
ing place is known is Captain Roger Clap, whose remains are interred 
in the Chapel Burying Ground. Captain John Larrabee died February 
II, 1762, at the age of seventy-six, but his last resting place is unknown. 

After the War of 1 8 1 2 little worthy of note tVanspired at Castle 
Island until 1833, when the fort now on the island, which at that time 
had been under contemplation, was begun. The feature regarding the 
new fort was, that it was constructed by a native engineer. Colonel 
Sylvanus Thayer, while all its predecessors had been planned and con- 
structed by foreigners. It was but a few years when the work was 
completed, and the name given the preceding fort by President Adams 
was transferred to the new structure, and it has been known as PVjrt 
Independence since that time. 

This fort formed one of Boston's main defences during the Civil 
War, and, though garrisoned and ready for an attack at that time, it was 
never called upon to do any service outside housing deserters from the 
Union lines. 

It remained a garrisoned fort up to 1876, when the government, 
evidently realizing that its close proximity to the city proper made it 
comparatively useless as an effective military work against long range 
guns, decided to abandon it and the garrison was accordingly withdrawn. 



258 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Thus, through the advent of ten-mile guns and their weighty missiles, 
coupled with equally great improvements in other modern weapons of 
war, Castle Island, as a point of military importance, sank into insignifi- 
cance. Since the withdrawal of the garrison the government has 
intrusted the care of the island to an ordnance sergeant. 

Castle Lsland from this time forward received but little attention, 
and its ultimate uses were difficult to anticipate. Finally, in 1891, a 
far seeing mind conceived the excellent idea of adding it to Boston's 
park system. 




On the Island, looking South. 



Castle Island. 

Outer Works. East. 

VIEWS ON CASTLE ISLAND. 



Entrance to the Fort. 



With this intention in view, application was made to the national 
government, resulting in the city being given full use of the island, 
with the proviso that the government could reclaim it at any time. 

It was accepted, under these conditions, and shortly afterward a 
bridge was built from Marine Park to the island, giving easy access to 
it, and with its completion, the island, for the first time in its history, 
was devoted to public use. Other improvements were made, and it 
gradually became one of the most attractive parts of the entire park 
system. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



259 



* « 



\ 



Thus it remained until 1898, when, at the breaking- out of the 
Spanish-American War, it was reclaimed by the national government 
and converted into a mine and torpedo station. 

On April 6, 1898, Sergt. John P. Hart and four men of the engi- 
neer corps were sent to Castle Island to prepare for the work on hand. 
The work began April 8, a squad of twenty-five men from the elec- 
trical corps being added to the engineers. The mines, explosives, 
cables, etc., were sent in consignments to the island as the work pro- 
gressed. The plugs for the mines 
were first loaded, and while this 
work was progressing the mooring 
lines and electric cables were 
being prepared by other members 
of the corps. This finished, the 
work of loading the mines began. 
In all, 252 of these terrible 
engines of war were prepared for 
Boston Harbor, and a large num- 
ber of others were loaded and 
shipped to other seacoast cities. 
Of the 252 mines for Boston 
Harbor 231 were loaded each with 
100 pounds of dynamite, of seven- 
ty-five per cent, nitro-glycerine, 
and the remaining twenty one 
contained 250 pounds of dynamite 
of ninety per cent, nitro-glycerine. 
This latter is so powerful that the 
manufacture of anything of a 
higher grade is considered beyond 
the danger limit. 

Under Sergt. Hart's direc- 
tion, and with the assistance of Messrs. Finn of the engineers office, 
and Dow of the electrical department, the work progressed without 
delay or accident, and when the corps had finally completed its work, 
the 252 mines were in their proper position beneath the waters of 
Boston Harbor, being set out in twelve grand groups, each group 
constituting twenty-one mines. Each group was in direct commu- 
nication with headcjuarters at the the island, and any or all of the 
mines could, should the occasion require it, be discharged by the 
turning of a switch. 

At the conclusion of the war the same corps raised the mines, 
brought them to the island, and the work of unloading them began. 
This task was far more dangerous than the loading, but the work pro- 
gressed until the afternoon of December 6, 1898, when from some 
unknown cause about 1,300 pounds of the explosive was discharged, 
killing four men. 





EXPLODING MINES OFF CASTLE 'SLAND 



2 6o 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Three of these, Hiram Vaughn of Company D, engineer corps, 
James Ryan and Peter Brennan were engaged in carting the mines to 
the south-easterly part of the island, at which place they were to be 
unloaded. The team carrying three of the mines struck a stone in the 
road, the mines collided, or from some similar cause the accident 
resulted. The three men were blown to atoms as were also the horse 
and wagon. 

Se'rgt. Maurice McGrath, who was ordnance sergeant at the island 
at that time, was approaching the wagon when the accident occurred, 
but was some 200 feet away at the 
time. He was instantly killed, principally 
as a result of the terrific concussion, 
although there were marks upon his 
body indicating that he had been struck 
by flying missiles. 

The reports of the explosion, as well 
as the shock, were heard and felt in 
Boston, while at places in closer proxim- 
ity, windows were broken, glass and 
china-ware demolished and other damage 
done. At the island itself, a large section 
of the massive granite wall near the 
southeast magazine, was completely torn 
out, the earth hurled high in the air and 
a great hole torn in the ground. 

On investigation it was found that 
besides the three mines that were on the 
wagon, three barrels of the explosive had been discharged by the shock. 
No trace of the three unfortunate victims was ever found. 

After the accident work was discontinued for some time as there 
was considerable opposition to its further continuance. Orders 
were finally sent from the authorities at Washington to take the 
remaining mines, of which there were twenty-eight, anchor them in the 
harbor a safe distance from the shore and discharge them. 

Pursuant to this order the first of the remaining mines was set off 
January 21, 1899. January 25, five more were exploded ; P^bruary 3, 
four ; February 7, five ; and the remainder were blown up at different 
dates during the month of February. 

One morning while this work was being performed the people 
of South Boston received a severe shock by learning that three mines 
were being tossed about by the waves on the beach at Marine Park. 
These mines had been anchored in the harbor the previous day and 
during the night a storm arose, and, breaking from their moorings, 
they were cast upon the beach. The truant mines were soon caught, 
however, towed back to their moorings and discharged. 




PORTION OF SEA WALLi" DAMAGED BY 
PREMATURE EXPLOSION. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 26 1 

After the engineer corps had completed its work and the mines, 
cables, etc., been stored away in the casements of the fort, the govern- 
ment once more gave the control of the island over to the city and it 
was once more opened to the public as a part of Boston's park system. 

It is an ideal place of recreation ; an attractive adjunct of the park 
system ; a place of inestimable public benefit ; unlimited in value as a 
pleasure resort for all. 

Unmarred in its natural beauty, its grassy surface, its graceful old 
elms, and sloping beach are sought by thousands almost every day and 
evening during the summer months. The obsolete walled fort, its 
north and east batteries, the old fashioned cannon and mortars, the 
grass covered magazines and the high stacks of cannon balls all con- 
tribute to its attractiveness. 

The old north landing and the many elevated points about the 
island offer excellent places of observation, including in their scope the 
upper harbor, the islands, the passing steamers, vessels and yachts, as 
well as an excellent view of the lower harbor. 

It is the one spot in the entire park system that stands by itself, — 
a gem of nature unsurpassed, and a living memorial to our gallant fore- 
fathers. Thus it stands to-day wrapped in memories of stirring times, 
a reminder of true patriotism to coming generations. 




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SOUTH BOSTON OF THE PRP:SENT 

Br EDWARD P. B. RANKIN. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Though South Boston has the distinction of being a part of one of 
the earliest settlements in New England, it was not until many years 
had elapsed, that its territory and location, as a residential and com- 
mercial place, were appreciated. As a result, other sections, many of 
which lacked the natural advantages possessed by this district, rapidly 
developed, while South Boston, then a part of Dorchester, remained 
nothing but a place of pasturage. 

Thus conditions remained until its real worth finally attracted at- 
tention, and from that time forth its progress has been marvelous, its 
present excellent condition being conclusive evidence of this fact. 

Today South Boston is second to no district of Boston, its immense 
population and excellent thoroughfares, churches, schools, handsome 
residences, parks, docking facilities, business houses and manufacturing 
establishments as well as many other features, placing it in the fore- 
most rank. 

Since it received the first impetus of its remarkable growth, which 
occurred about the time of its annexation to Boston, South Boston has 
undergone many changes, all of which have had a tendency to improve 
Its territory and add to the conveniences of its ever increasing popu- 
lation. 

Its many excellent thoroughfares and the manner in which they are 
laid out is a striking feature of South Boston. Its churches stand forth 
as evidence of the devotion of its great populace to the Almighty; its 
schools are indicative of a realization of the great benefits of education, 
and combined they prove conclusively the belief of the people in the 
great moral good that not only the present but future generations can 
derive from them. 

Being so well supplied in this respect it is only natural that its people 
should be both law abiding and industrious, and they are. There are 
but few serious crimes and its court record is much smaller and less 
varied than other districts with much smaller populations. 



264 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Like all places of large populations its people represent almost all 
nationalities, whose occupations are as varied as their ages, but whether 
a representative of a profession or the occupant of a most menial 
position, with or without wealth, high or low in the social sphere, all 
are alike in their love of home life and their pride in the district they 
represent. 

It is a natural sequence of industry, a consequence of frugality, 
that residences, from the stately and magnificent mansion, to the dim- 
inutive and unpretentious dwelling, should grow up in demonstration of 
such love and pride. For what other reason does man labor and save 
than to provide an abode, there to practice husbandry, enjoy the pleas- 
ures of a true home and the realization of an ideal life.^ 

Shakespeare has said : 

The sweat of industry would dry and die 
But for the end it works to. 

This, therefore, is the key to South Boston's success from a busi- 
ness standpoint and the disclosing of the secret of its rapid increase in 
population. Here was found employment, the powerful magnet of the 
industrious. The greater their numbers the more numerous the popu- 
lation, and the greater the population the more extensive the demand 
for the many products essential to life. 

Industry, therefore, is extensively manifested throughout the dis- 
trict, including in its scope almost everything, from the well equipped 
factory, power-house, foundry and machine shop, shipping, railroad 
traffic and construction in its various forms and the wholesale and retail 
trade in its multitude of branches, down to the diminutive variety store 
and the various lesser but very necessary trades. 

It has been said that industry alone is capable of a true realization 
of recreation. Parks, playgrounds, bathing places and gymnasia 
throughout South Boston indicate that this is so, and in turn, the crowds 
that patronize them are demonstrative of industry. 

Enclosed in its boundaries South Boston holds historic Dorchester 
Heights as a lasting reminder of those who were responsible for its 
being today and as a tribute to true patriotism. 

Religious devotion, patriotism, education and industry, therefore, 
are the chief attributes to which South Boston owes its successes of the 
past that have given it its present prominence, and it is to these that it 
looks for continued prosperity and greater importance in the future, as 
the best is yet to be. 



CHAPTER I. 

North, East, South and West. 

The unnamed body of water and Reserved Channel — Pleasure ]'>ay — Castle Island — 
Thompson's Island — Artificial Island — Dorchester Kay — The Fleet — City Point 
Life Saving Station, U.S.L.S.S. — Old Harbor and '"The Neck "—South Pay ^ Its 
dimensions south of Southampton street — Dimensions north of Southampton street 
— Fort Point Channel — Its course and various widths in the vicinity of the several 
bridges that span it. 

LIKE Boston in its early clays, South Boston is a peninsula con- 
nected with the mainland, on the southwest, by a narrow strip of 
marshy land which in recent years has been widened to a consid- 
erable extent and largely built upon. 

As it is so nearly an island, its outline can best be observed by 
water. On the north, it is bounded by Boston Harbor ; on the east, by 
Pleasure Bay ; on the south, by Dorchester Bay, Old Harbor and Dor- 
chester, and on the west, by South Bay and Fort Point Channel. 

Starting ftom its northernmost point, but a short distance from 
where the waters of Boston Harbor and F"ort Point Channel meet, a 
northeasterly course is followed until the main channel is reached, and 
then a southeasterly course is pursued. Near E Street, and between 
that and P3ast First Streets, the first irregularity appears in the form 
of a small harbor. 

It was through the advent of the Commonwealth Lands that this 
unnamed body of water came into existence, and later it was made more 
distinct and separate from Boston Harbor through the connecting of L 
and Congress Streets (now Summer Street) which necessitated the 
building of a bridge with a draw, to give proper access for vessels by 
way of the " Reserved Channel." 

Being about 2200 feet long and 1900 feet wide, with a good depth 
and easy to approach, this body of water is of considerable value from 
a shipping standpoint and along its shores are many wharves accessable 
to ships of considerable size. 

" Reserved Channel " has its origin in this body of water. It is a 
coin^se 400 feet wide and begins at E street, including in its width 
Clafiin and Danby streets. It extends east and then southeast, and 
then east again into Boston Harbor, finally connecting with the main 
channel off Castle Island. 

At Marine Park the coastline of the north shore terminates, but a 
bridge extends from the park to Castle Island, spanning Pleasure Bay, 
the eastern boundary of South Boston. 

Pleasure Bay but a few years ago was a straight body of water 



266 



IIISTURV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



running from north to south, between South Boston and Castle Island, 
uniting Boston Harbor and Dorchester Bay, but being shallow for the 
most part, and containing a great amount of sea growth, it was practi- 
cally useless as a waterway for craft of any great depth. 

When Marine Park was laid out this body of water was encroached 
upon to a considerable extent and the shore-line took the form of a per- 
fect crescent. With the advent of Marine Park Pier a few years later 
and the construction of Castle Island Bridge, connecting the island with 
Marine Park, this water was enclosed with the exception of a space at 
the southeast where there is an entrance about 1600 feet wide, measur- 
ing from the extreme southerly point of Castle Island to Artificial 
Island at the end of Marine Park Pier. 




MARINE PARK AND PLEASURE BAY, WITH BRIDGE TO CASTLE ISLAND. 
(Looking Northeast from Q Street arid East Broadway i 



The extreme width of Pleasure Bay, from Marine Park to Castle 
Island, is about 2900 feet, and from the draw of Castle Island bridge 
to a point on Marine Park Pier it measures 3400 feet. 

Being so well protected it is an excellent place of anchorage for 
pleasure craft and a considerable fleet can be seen here during the sum- 
mer months, particularly at the southerly end where the water is of great 
depth. 

Up to the latter part of 1900 a small boat landing occupied a site on 
Marine Park, on the shore of the bay, and from this point to Castle 
Island launches made trips, the round fare being ten cents. The pres- 
ent Public Landing was then built on the Strandway, adjacent to Marine 
Park, and the launches now make trips from this point to the island 
and Squantum. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



267 



Castle Island is an attractive place and one of the most historic 
within the contines of Boston. It is a little more than half a mile east 
of South Boston and about a mile south of Governors' Island, being 
separated from it by the main channel in Boston Harbor. Its complete 
history is told in a preceding chapter. 

Thompson's Island, southeast of South Boston, though having no 
connection with it at the present time, figured in its early history to 
some extent, as both were parts of Dorchester. 

It is a fertile piece of ground containing about 140 acres, about 
one mile long from northeast to southwest and about one-third of a 
mile in width. It is about one mile and a quarter south of Castle 




MARINE PARK AND PLEASURE BAY SHOWING FARRAGUT STATUE. 
(Looking Southeast from Q St'eet and East Broadway.; 

Island and two miles southeast of South Boston and is separated from 
both by Mussel Bank Shoal. 

This island was purchased in 1834 for :>6,ooo by the proprietors of 
the Boston Farm School and a building 105 by 36 feet with a central 
projection, 39 by 25 feet, was immediately erected and various other 
improvements made. 

On March 5, 1835, this institution united with the Boston Asylum 
for Indigent Boys, and became known as the Boston Asylum and Farm 
School for Indigent Boys. Charles H. Bradley is the present superin- 
tendent, and under his care the boys are taught various trades to 
fit them for future years. 

Artificial Island, at the extreme end of Marine Park, was construc- 
ted in conjunction with the pier itself, the idea as planned bemg to- 
erect a pavilion and observatory there. 

At a considerable cost the granite retaining walls were erected, and 



2 68 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



as the work progressed the filhog in process kept pace with it so that 
when the walks finally rose above the water they enclosed a small body 
of land. 

It was found during the work of construction that both the walls and 
filling kept sinking" so that when the island was finally completed it was 
thought best to allow matters to rest until both wall and earth had 
fully settled before further steps were taken. 




FARM SCHOOL ON THOMPSONS ISLAND. 



As the island is still sinking and there is little indication of a firm 
foundation ever being obtained the original scheme has been abandoned. 



Dorchester Bay. 

After rounding Artificial Island at the end of Marine Park Pier, 
Dorchester Bay in all its beauty is revealed, with its broad expanse of 
smooth and navigable waters, its pretty and attractive boundaries and 
surroundings, its magnificent and extensive pleasure fleet unrivalled in 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



269 



size on the Atlantic coast, its life-saving station, Old Harbor, as its 
westerly end is called, and, be3ond, its circling shore line, just dis- 
tinguishable, all seeming to catch the e)-e at once and presenting in 
combined form a panorama of exceptional interest and beauty. 

Dorchester Bay is known along the entire Atlantic coast for its 
prominence as a yachting centre, its excellence as a safe harbor, and for 
the size, variety and beauty of its pleasure fleet. 

The bay has two arms, one reaching southwest and the other directly 
west, the latter including Old Harbor, forming the southerly boundary 




FLEET OF YACHTS IN DORCHESTER BAY. 

of South Boston, and also washing its shores on the southeast. The 
widest part of the bay is at its entrance, from which point the two 
branches diverge. The narrowest part is the westerly end and known 
as Old Harbor. 

Like Pleasure Bay, Dorchester Bay has been encroached upon to 
some extent in recent years through the advent of the Strandway, but 
this has only tended to beautify its shore line which has been properly 
graded along its entire length except from O street to Marine Park, 
where an artistic and staunch granite retaining wall, surmounted by an 
iron fence, has been erected. 

Along the shore are seen the several handsome yacht clubs, while off 



270 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




mm ^f i 


'. 


.«i^-»i 




«pf:' ' 


, 


' 1 <^ 






shore, in the vicinity of 
these buildings, the boats 
of the fleet, some anchored 
and others saiHng back 
and forth, are seen and in 
such numbers as to attract 
general attention. Not all 
are sailing craft, for in its 
variety the fleet includes 
almost every style of boat 
used for pleasure, from 
the little naptha launch to 
handsome sloop yachts and 
schooners of a considerable 
size, making the fleet un- 
equalled in number on the 
Atlantic seaboard and only 
surpassed in value by the 
fleet at Newport, R. I. 

So extensive is yachting 
here that much attention 
is given the bay and Old 
Harbor to keep them in 
proper condition and they 
are frequently dredged. 
Besides this a public land- 
ing has been constructed 
at the foot of O street, ad- 
jacent to Marine Park. 
The most attractive feat- 
ure as well as the most 
useful is the life-saving 
station which was estab- 
lished in the bay for the 
protection of the yachting 
enthusiasts as well as for 
the safety of bathers. 

The station occupies a 
position about midway be- 
tween Marine Park and 
Thompson's Island and is 
in commission each year 
from May i, until Novem- 
ber 15, during which time 
a constant watch is main- 
tained. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



271 



CiTV Point Life-Savixo Station, U. S. L. S. S. 

Previous to the advent of the City Point Life-Saving Station the an- 
nual loss of life in Dorchester and Pleasure bays and Old Harbor was 
gradually on the increase, and with the activity in yachting circles, 
the great addition to the fleet and the imjiroved and additional bathing 
facilities at Marine Park and the Strandway, the number of deaths 
caused by drowning reached such an alarming figure that a life-saving 
station was no longer looked upon as a benefit merely, but as a necessity. 




R..- K\ Naptna Launrnes 

DORCHESTER BAY LIFE SAVING STATION U. S. L^ S^ S 



Stern and Harbo 



Attention was forcibly called to the necessity of a station through the 
loss of forty lives, from 1890 to 1894 inclusive, and Mr. John J. Toome}', 
aided by Ex-Representative Charles J. Chance, secured many hundred 
names to a petition which was sent to Washington. They had prev- 
iously appealed in vain, to the city and state. Congressman Michael 
J. McEttrick introduced a bill in Congress which was finally passed 
and the station secured. 

As it was felt that close proximity to the fleet would be an able 
factor in assisting the crew of the station, both in saving life and render- 
ing assistance to sailing craft, it was decided to construct a station on a 



2 72 HISTORY OF SOl'TII BOSTON. 

new plan, and this, the first of its kind in the United States for salt 
water service was the result. It was the idea of General Superinten- 
dent S. I. Kimball of the life saving service, to whom much praise is 
due for the great interest manifested. 

An appropriation of S7,ooo was made for the construction of the 
station itself, and in a short time the strange craft was growing under 
the hands of workmen at Palmer's shipyard at Noank, Conn., and for fifty 
days the work progressed, at the end of which time the station was 
completed, and towed from Noank, Conn., to Boston, and on its arrival 
Sunday, August 3, 1896, was moored to Loring's wharf to await fitting- 
out. 

It is needless to say that the station, being an innovation, attracted 
much attention. Visitors saw it as it is today, except for the doors, 
which were afterward cut on each side of the harbor room. 

Its form is that of a huge flat iron, the forward end, or bow, coming 
to a point, while the rear or stern is cut off short. It is 100 feet long, 
33 feet beam, 6 feet deep and draws about two feet of water, and is a 
double deck affair, the upper deck being about 1 5 feet above the 
waterline. 

The feature of the station is the harbor at the stern, or what might 
be called the main entrance to the station. This harbor in which the 
two naptha launches of the station are kept, is formed by having an 
opening 30 feet long and 17 feet wide, cut from the stern directly into 
the centre of the station, leaving on three sides about eight feet of 
deck room, while the entire harbor is sheltered by the upper deck, 
which extends to the end of the station. 

From the harbor, or launch room, a hallway extends the entire 
length of the station, off of which are several rooms ; on the left is 
the kitchen, dining room and the crew's quarters, and on the right the 
captain's office, his bed room and the store room, the space at the bow 
being devoted to the windlass and anchors with which the station is 
held in position. 

Leading from this hallway on the right is a small flight of stairs to 
the upper deck, and in addition to this are the two other flights, leading 
from the harbor room, one on the port and one on the starboard side. 
The upper deck is completely clear with the exception of a lookout, 
which sets about thirty feet from the bow in the centre of the deck,, 
with a flight of steps leading to it. It is surrounded by a railing and 
is connected with the launch room and the captain's room by speaking 
tubes. 

Rising from the deck is a flagpole, upon which the national em- 
blem is displayed during the day and a lantern at night. At the stern, 
on huge davits, hangs the heavy surf boat, in a position to be lowered 
at an instant's notice. Davits on the port and starboard sides hold 
smaller boats. In the harbor are the launches, one of which is twenty- 
eight feet, with a speed of ten knots, and the other twenty-five feet in 
length, with a speed of eight knots. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



/ O 



A steam launch, purcliased in 1900 after many years agitation, 
completes the equipment. With all these it will be seen that the sta- 
tion is in condition to perform almost any service required of it. 

Captain Healy of Calhoun's Hollow was the first captain appointed 
to the command of the station. He took charge of the fitting out, 
which work was not completed until October, 1896. On the i8th of 
that month the station was towed from the wharf and anchored for the 
first time in Dorchester Bay, about half a mile from the pier. As it was 
late in the season the station remained in commission only a few weeks 
and was then towed to its winter berth near Chelsea Bridge. 

With the opening of the yachting season the following year, 1897, 
orders were received from Washington directing that the station go into 
commission May i, and it was accordingly towed to its former position 
in Dorchester l^ay where it remained until November 15th, doing ex- 
cellent service. 

Captain Healy had, in the meantime, been succeeded by Captain 
Eldred C. Glawson. He proved to be the right man in the right place 
and with the able assistance of his faithful and capable crew excellent 
work was performed. 

The record for that season shows that assistance was rendered 1 1 5 
yachts and other craft ; twenty-three persons were rescued from drown- 
ing ; assistance was rendered 131 persons ; and six persons were res- 
cued from drowning at the bathing beach at Marine Park. 

But one life was sacrificed that year, the scene of the fatality being 
Pleasure Bay, and, as the iron pier obstructed the view of that body of 
water, the accident which resulted in this loss of life was not visible 
from the station. It was this accident that resulted in the introduction 
of a signal service at Marine Park by which anyone at the park can, in 
case of accident, notify the station. 

Again, on May i, 1898, and still under command of Captain h^ldred 
C. Glawson, the station began another season, at the close of which the 
report showed but two lives lost ; nineteen persons had been rescued 
from drowning; 129 persons rendered assistance, and fifty-eight boats, 
their value estimated at about $40,000, were saved from destruction. 

In 1899 the station again went into commission with Captain 
Glawson in charge, and during that season, as in the previous ones, its 
record was excellent, thirty-three persons were rescued from drowning ; 
183 rendered assistance ; ninety-seven boats, valued at $63,285, as- 
sisted ; and forty-nine persons taken from the water and given treatment 
at the station. 

Captain Glawson resigned from the service early in 1900 and 
Captain Frank P2. Hamilton was promoted from surfman at Chatham, 
Mass., to the command of the City Point Station. On May i, 1900, 
the station took up its usual position in Dorchester Bay under his 
charge. Excellent work was performed that season as well as in pre- 
vious ones, and the station went out of commission in November of that 
year with an excellent record. 



274 



HIsroRV OF SOUTH ];OSTON. 



Again on May i of this }'ear, 1901, the station went into commis- 
sion with Captain Hamilton in charge, and the usual excellent work is 
looked for and will undoubtedly be performed by the valiant crew. 

From the time the station first made its appearance it was evident 
that the launches would not be able to offer proper assistance to the 
yachts in a heavy storm, and this became evident when attempts were 
made to rescue them from perilous positions. As a result a petition 
for a heavier launch was made. 

Through the efforts of Congressman Henry F. Naphen and many 
others who had interested themselves in the matter, an appropriation 
for the purchase of a heavier launch was secured in 1900, and this was 
added to the equipment of the station that year. It is also anticipated 
that a search-light will soon be a feature, which, if secured, will be of 
great material aid in keeping a more thorough watch at night about the 
waters in the vicinity, and, if thus ecpiipped, the station will not lack 
anything to aid the crew in its noble work of saving life. 



Old Harbor, as the westerly end of Dorchester l^ay is known, is a 
pretty body of water, and like Dorchester Bay itself is a favorite 
place for yachting and bathing, and during the summer months de- 
votees of each can be seen enjoying their particular pleasure. 

The waters of Old Harbor are even more protected than those of 
Dorchester Bay, being surrounded on three sides by land as well as 
being a much smaller body of water. Being somewhat farther away 
from Boston Harbor it is not as much frequented as the bay itself. 

On its shores was built the first public bath-house in the United 
States, and in razing the L Street bath-house, in the spring of 1901, to 
make way for the present commodious and artistic structure a small 
section of the original building, much altered in appearance and con- 
siderable the worse for wear was found, but was removed with the rest 
of the structure. 

The entire length of Dorchester Bay and Old Harbor, from a point 
on Marine Park Pier to the foot of Kemp street is 8,000 feet or a little 
more than one mile and a half, and from the foot of L street to the 
pumping station grounds at the southeast end of Mt. Vernon Street, 
Dorchester, it measures about 4,800 feet in width or 480 feet short of 
a mile. 

The "Neck" as the body of land connecting South Boston and Dor- 
chester was commonly called, is now seldom referred to by that name, 
this title having gradually died with the advent of Dorchester Turnpike 
(now Dorchester Avenue). 

The entire "Neck" is a part of the southerly end of the Andrew 
Square district, formerly known as Washington Village. Time, the 
great transformer of all things, did not allow the "Neck" to remain un- 
changed for in past years its appearance has been very much altered. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



275 



Originally the land in this vicinity was very low and marshy, but 
with the building up of this section the greater part of it has been filled 
in, streets laid out, and many sections of it built upon. Besides this, 
the New York, New Ha\'en and Hartford Railroad Company has con- 
structed its roadbed across a section of it and in many ways its appear- 
ance has been greatly changed. 

From Andrew Square to Mt. \'ernon Street, Dorchester, it measures 
about 1,600 feet, and its width on the boundary line between South 
Boston and Dorchester, which starts at South Bay near Howell Street, 
and terminates on the shores of Old Harbor near Mt. Vernon Street, is 
about 2,600 feet. 

From the waterway bridge on Southampton Street to a point at the 
foot of Abbott Street it is 3,000 feet wide, this being its greatest width, 
while just north of this is the most narrow section, extending from the 
foot of Humboldt Place on the west to the foot of Jenkins Street on the 
east a distance of i,Soo feet. 

Two large thoroughfares, Dorchester Avenue and Boston Street, run 
across the " Neck," being crossed by numerous intersecting streets. 
On the east Old Harbor washes its shores and on the west the waters 
of South Bay. 

The "Neck," is the most southwesterly section of South Boston, 
and the boundary line between South Boston and Dorchester marks the 
extreme southwest point of the district. 



West and southwest of the " Neck," separating South Boston from 
Roxbury and the city proper, are South Bay and Fort Point Channel, 
the western boundaries of South Boston. 

South Bay is much smaller than it was originally, as large sections 
of it have been filled in, and it has been cut up by the construction of 
Southampton Street (formerly Swett Street) across it from east to west 
and the roadbeds of the Midland and Old Colony Divisions of the New 
York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, the former running southwest 
from the South Boston yard and the latter south. 

South of Southampton Street the entire width of the bay east and 
west is about 2100 feet; from South Boston to the Midland Division 
roadbed about 1700 feet, and from Southampton Street to Massachusetts 
Avenue it is about 2000 feet. 

From Southampton Street to a point where the bay and P'ort Point 
Channel connect, south of Dover Street Bridge, it is 2400 feet. Its 
greatest width is from the foot of Dorr Street to a point directly oppo- 
site, the distance being about 3300 feet. Where the bay and channel 
connect it is 1200 feet wide. 

As the bay is na\-igable for some distance, its shores are exten- 
sively lined with wharves where vessels of considerable size load and 



276 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

unload cargoes, principally of coal, lumber, brick, cement and similar 
material. 

Fort Point Channel, that connects South Bay with Boston Harbor, 
is a narrow winding body of water about 7000 feet in length, of various 
widths. Being navigable its entire length, it has many wharves along 
its shores. 

One of Boston's earliest fortifications occupy a site in the vicinity 
of the present India Wharf, near which Fort Point Channel and Boston 
Harbor meet, which was known as the " Old Sconce," or South Bat- 
tery, and just back of it was another fortification on P^ort Hill. Owing 
to the presence of these defences, this section was known as P'ort Point 
and it was from this that the channel received its name. 

At the present time no less than eight bridges span the channel, 
two of which are railroad bridges and the remaining six are parts of 
public thoroughfares connecting South Boston with various sections of 
the city proper. 

Work is at present progressing on another — Cove Street Plxten- 
tion Bridge — which will connect South Boston with the retail district 
of the city, and which was only secured after a bitter fight between the 
people and the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. 

From South Bay to Dover Street Bridge the channel is a little 
more than 1500 feet wide, and at the bridge it is about 400 feet wide. 
PVom here to Broadway P3xtension Bridge it is about 810 feet, with a 
width of 250 feet. Close to the Broadway P^xtension Bridge is a Railroad 
P2mergency Bridge, and from there to the Roll-Lift Bridge it is 300 feet, 
the width being about 200 feet. 

Between these two bridges the channel heads in a northeasterly 
direction as far as the Federal Street Bridge, at which point it heads 
almost east. P'rom the Roll-Lift Bridge to F'ederal Street Bridge it is 
200 feet and the width of the channel is about the same. It is between 
these two bridges that the work of putting in the piers and abutments 
for Cove Street Extension Bridge is progressing. 

After passing Federal Street Bridge the channel heads almost 
north. Mt. Washington Avenue Bridge is next reached about iioo 
feet beyond. The channel at this point is about 440 feet wide. Sum- 
mer Street Extension Bridge, about 1090 feet beyond, is next reached, 
the width of the channel being about 450 feet. 

Still heading north Congress Street Bridge is reached, 450 feet 
from Summer Street Extension Bridge. The channel here is about 
400 feet wide, and from here it expands on both sides until it ends 
about 1600 feet beyond where it connects with the waters of Boston 
Harbor. 



CHAPTER II. 
Approaches and Bridges. 

Various approaches — Congress Street and Summer Street Extension — Dorchester Avenue 

— Mount Washington Avenue — Cove Street Extension — Broadway Extension — 
Dover Street — Southampton Street — Boston Street — Dorchester Avenue — Co- 
lumbia Road. Thirty-five bridges in the district — Eight over Fort Point Channel 

— Smaller bridges over railroad tracks — Dover Street, Broadway Extension, 
Emergency, Roll-Lift, Federal Street, Mount Washington Avenue, Summer Street 
Extension, Congress Street, and Cove Street Extension Bridges — Castle Island 
Bridge. 

SOUTH BOSTON'S close proximity to the city proper is greatly 
increased through the various wide avenues that form direct con- 
nections between the two. By means of these, South Boston, can 
be readily reached from almost any part of the city proper as they con- 
stitute direct routes, an advantage by no means general when the 
other districts of the city are considered. 

Congress Street and Summer Street Extension give direct ap- 
proaches to South Boston on the northwest, allowing easy access to the 
great docks and freight terminal, as well as to the many warehouses 
and manufacturing places in their vicinity. 

Dorchester Avenue is the most important of the various avenues 
of approach as it connects with every one of the avenues leading to 
South Boston as well as various streets in the district that terminate at 
this thoroughfare. 

Mt. Washington Avenue is one of the latter, and, although it is not 
as important as many of the others, the building up of the Common- 
wealth Lands may in a few years place it in the foremost rank. 

Dorchester Avenue enters the district over the Eederal Street 
Bridge and, extending the entire length of it on the west, continues into 
Dorchester giving an approach to South I5oston from that district also. 

Cove Street Extension, now under construction, will give a direct 
thoroughfare from the heart of the city proper, the great retail district, 
to within a short distance of Broadway, the main artery of this district. 

Broadway Extension, coming from the territory just south of the 
centre of the city, and connecting with many streets leading from the 
vicinity of Park Square, the Public Garden, Boston Common, Common- 
wealth Avenue and other places in this vicinity, forms another very 
important approach. 

Dover Street, leading from the vicinity of the south end of the 
city, makes a direct connection with West P^ourth Street, and thereby 
gives an uninterrupted route from this part of the cit}- direct to the 
extreme end of City Point, passing through a thickly settled residential 
section of South Boston. 



7S 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Southampton Street starts at the extreme south end of the city- 
proper, and is close to the Roxbury boundary Hne. It enters South 
Boston at Andrew Square, from which point two of South Boston's 
most important thoroui^hfares, Dorchester Avenue and Dorchester 
Street diverge. 

Boston Street leads from Edward Everett Square, Dorchester, 
where it connects with Massachusetts Avenue, Columbia Road, East 
Cottage Street and Pond Street, and also terminates at Andrew Square, 
where it connects with important thoroughfares leading to the various 
sections of South Boston. 

Dorchester Avenue, as previously mentioned, crosses Andrew 
Square and extends from Dorchester, running almost parallel with 
Boston Street at this point. 

Columbia Road connects with the Strandway, southeast of Andrew 
Square, and coming from Franklin Park and connecting with the 
Strandway, forms a continuous thoroughfare along the southerly water 
front of South Boston to Marine Park. 

Bridges. 

One of the most remarkable features of South Boston is the great 
number of bridges of various styles and purposes, scattered about 
its territory, particularly west of Dorchester Street. 

In all there are thirty-five of these, of which twenty-nine are parts 
of public thoroughfares and the remaining six are railroad bridges 
connected with the Midland and Old Colony Divisions of the New 
York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. Fort Point Channel is spanned 
by eight, as follows : Dover Street, Broadway PLxtension, PLmergency, 
Roll-Eift, P'ederal Street, Mount Washington Avenue, Summer Street 
P^xtension and Congress Street Bridges. The Emergency and Roll- 
Lift are railroad bridges. 

The tracks of the Midland Division, running through what is com- 
monly called " The Cut," a passageway beginning at West P^irst Street 
and terminating at South Bay, about i8 feet below the level, necessi- 
tated the construction of ten bridges, all parts of public thoroughfares 
that pass over it, including West Second Street, Bolton Street, West 
Third Street, West Broadway, Silver Street, West P^ourth Street, Gold 
Street, West Plfth Street and Dorchester Avenue. " The Cut " also 
passes beneath the roadbed of the Old Colony Division at Dorchester 
Avenue and over Dizzy Bridge at South Bay. 

The present roadbed of the Old Colony Division passes over the 
tracks of the Midland Division, near Dorchester Avenue , as well as over 
D and p: Streets and under Dorchester Street. The new roadbed of 
this division passes over the waterway bridge at South Bay and under 
Southampton Street, Boston Street and Dorchester Avenue Bridges. 

The extension of Summer Street necessitated the construction of 
bridges over A, B and C Streets, and it connects with L Street by a 
bridge at that point over the " Reserved Channel." The bridge con- 



HIST()R\' OF SOUTH P.OSTOX. 279 

necting" Marine Park and Castle Island, the Summer Street Extension 
Bridge over the Midland Division tracks, the water-way bridge at 
Southampton Street, and the West Fourth Street Bridge, over Foundry 
Street, complete the list. 

Of this number. Castle Island, L Street, Dizzy, Old Colony Division 
(waterway), Southampton Street (waterway). Congress Street, Summer 
Street F^xtension, Mt. Washington Avenue, Federal Street, Roll-Lift, 
Emergency, Broadway Extension, and Dover Street Bridges all span 
waterways. The bridges at D and E Streets are for railroad use alone, 
and the remainder, with the exception of the bridges on Summer Street 
Extension over A, B and C Streets and West Fourth Street Bridge 
(over Foundry Street), span railroad tracks, namely Summer Street 
Extension, West Second Street, Bolton Street, West Third Street, 
West Broadway, Silver Street, West Fourth Street, Gold Street, West 
Fifth Street, Dorchester Avenue, Old Colony Division (near Dorchester 
Avenue), Dorchester Street, Southampton Street, Boston Street and 
Dorchester Avenue (south of Andrew Square) Bridges. Sections of 
Broadway Extension and Dover Street Bridges span the tracks of the 
Old Colony Division. Roll-Lift, Emergency, Dizzy and the Old Colony 
Division (waterway) Bridges are for railroad use alone. 

(If these many bridges, whether old or new, there is not one that 
has been brought to the attention of the public as frequently, or one 
that required as much legislation before it was finally obtained, as the 
one now under construction and which it is hoped will soon be added to 
the long list already mentioned — Cove Street Extension Bridge. 

This bridge when completed will span F"ort Point Channel between 
the Federal Street Bridge and the Roll-Lift Bridge and will also span 
the many tracks leading from the South Station, its terminals being 
Atlantic Avenue on the north, and Dorchester Avenue, near Foundry 
Street, on the south. 

When the South Station was erected South Boston was deprived of 
its principal artery on the north connecting it with the city proper, 
Federal Street Immediately there was a great demand for a thorough- 
fare to take its place, and by an act of the legislature of 1897 such pro- 
vision was made. The Boston Terminal Company and others offered 
great objection to it, maintaining it would be an obstruction to navigation. 

This corporation tried to have the act repealed, and, finding this 
impossible, it was brought to the attention of the War Department at 
Washington. Engineers were detailed to investigate the claims and 
reported unfavorably, and it appeared that the people would be unsuc- 
cessful in their efforts to obtain the thoroughfare. 

In the meantime an indignation meeting was held by the people, 
and the South Boston Citizens' Association, with the Hon. John B. 
Martin at its head, demanded that the bridge be allowed. When the 
matter was brought to the attention of the War Department, Congress- 
man Henry F. Naphen took up the battle for the people. 



2 8o 



HISTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



On hearing the unfavorable report of the engineers he went to the 
Secretary of War, Ehhu B. Root, and explained the true condition of 
affairs and the great necessity and benefit the bridge would be, and as a 
result of his efforts another corps of engineers was appointed, who, 
upon examination, reported in favor of the bridge and permission was 
granted for its construction. It is now under way, and it is hoped that 
before long it will be completed and opened for use. 

Of the many bridges, the eight spanning Fort Point Channel are 
the largest and most important. 

The present Dover Street Bridge occupies the site of the first 
bridge that was built between South Boston and the city proper, the 
Boston South Bridge. It was originally a wooden pile bridge, built in 
1805. It was rebuilt in 1858-59, and was again rebuilt in 1876. In 
1 893-94, upon the abolition of the grade crossing of the Old Colony 
Railroad, the present bridge was erected. It is an iron structure rest- 




DOVER STREET BRIDGE. 



ing on solid masonry piers and abutments, and is one of the best over 
the channel. It is of the turnstile type, having one draw opening, 37 
feet 9 inches in width. It is operated by electricity. 

Broadway Extension Bridge was erected in 1869-71. It is an 
iron structure supported by iron uprights. In 1874-75, the draw and 
its foundations were rebuilt. In order to assure safety to electric car 
traffic it was strengthened in 1893 and the woodwork of the draw re- 
newed in 1896. It is a swing-bridge of the centre pivot type, having 
one draw opening 43 feet 3 inches wide. It is now being rebuilt. 

Emergency Bridge, adjacent to Broadway Extension Bridge, was 
constructed in 1900-01. It is solely a railroad emergency bridge con- 
structed by the Boston Terminal Company to give ingress and egress 
to the South Station to trains on the various divisions, should trouble 
occur on either side of Fort Point Channel. The bridge is of the 
trestle style, built on wooden piles. It is of the end pivot swing type 
with one draw opening 43 feet 8 inches wide. 



niST()R\- OK SOUTH i;osTox. 



281 



Roll-Lift Bridge is also exclusively for railroad puri)oses, and was 
constructed in conjunction with the South Station in 1898-99. It is a 
new type of bridge and is said to be the largest of its kind )-et built. 




VIEvV OF FORT POINT CHANNEL 



Emergency Bridge 



It comprises three spans side by side, each carrying two sets of tracks. 
Each span works intlependently of the other. I<:ach span at its north- 
erly end terminates in circular form on either side forming the rollers 
which are perforated at frequent intervals and which rest on steel 
trusses having large cogs which fit into the openings of the rollers as 
they move, thereby preventing 
slipping. Adjoining the rollers 
and extending some distance 
below them on the outside of 
the trusses are weighted sections 
that counter balance the weight 
of the span. When the span is 
in place, these weighted sections 
are in the air, and by releasing 
a lever, the great weight of the 
se is sufificient to raise the span 
which co\ers a quarter of a 
circle as it swings from the level 
to a vertical position leaving a 
water-way of 42 feet. Electrical 
power is required to close the 
bridge. 

Federal Street Bridge occupies the site of the second bridge erected 
over Fort Point Channel known as the North Free Bridge and erected 
in 1826. It has been of great service and was several times rebuilt. 
In 1891-92 the present structure was built. It is constructed on 
wooden piling and is of the double retractile draw pattern. The draw 





FORMER OLD COLONY RAILROAD BRIDGE. 
(In use before the RoM-Li't Bcidge.) 



282 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



section is constructed of iron and spans a waterway of 41 feet 8 inches. 
It is operated by electricity. 

Mt. Wasliington Avenue Bridge is tlie oldest of the present 
bridges over the chaniiel. It is a wooden pile bridge with an iron draw 
of the centre pivot type and is operated by hand power. It was built 
in 1854 and rebuilt in I 870-71. It has two draw openings, that on the 
South Boston side being 42 feet 3 inches and that on the Boston side 
42 feet 2 inches. Some repairs were made in the spring of 1901, ne- 
cessitated by a large steamer getting caught in the draw. The bridge 
is in poor condition at present, and the matter of rebuilding it is being 
delayed owing to the objections of the Boston Terminal Com}: any. It 




L Street, over Reserved Channel 
Summer Street Extension, over C Street 



Mojnt \/Vashington Avenue 
Fede-al Street. 



FOUR SOUTH BOSTON BRIDGES. 



is an important avenue and its value increases with the growth of Com- 
monwealth Lands, and for this reason should not be abolished. 

Summer Street Extension Bridge is the most recent of the street 
bridges, having been constructed in 1899. It is a steel plate girder 
bridge resting on masonry piers and abutments with a double retractile 
draw having a clear channel way of 50 feet for the passage of vessels. 
A temporary steam plant was first installed and later the electrical appa 
ratus by which the bridge is now operated was placed in commission. 

Congress Street Bridge is constructed on wooden piles, while the 
iron turn-table draw rests on a stone foundation. It was built in i 874- 
75, and since that time has been repaired at various intervals. It is in 
poor condition at present, and this, coupled with the fact that it is one 
of the busiest bridges in the city, are responsible for the present agita- 



IIIS'IOKN' (IF SOL Til nOSTON. 



^^3 



tion for a new and more modern structure. There are two draw o})en- 
ings, the one on the South Boston side being 43 feet 9 inches wide and 
the one on the Boston side 43 feet 3 inches wide. The draw is operated 
by steam. 

Of the other bridges, L Street, Castle Island and Summer Street 
Extension (over Midland Division tracks) are the most impoitant. 

L Street Bridge is a wooden pile structure with an iron retractile 
draw and was built in 1892. It is of much importance connecting as it 
does L and Summer Streets and thereby giving a direct avenue to the 




■ SUMMER STREET EXTENSION BRIDGE. 
(From roof of Soutfi Union Station.) 

docks and freight houses on Commonwealth Lands. It spans " Reserved 
Channel," having one water-way 40 feet wide. The draw is operated 
by steam. 

Castle Island Bridge is a temporary structure for foot passengers 
only. It is constructed on wooden piles and extends from Marine 
Park to Castle Island, having beer built in 1 892, after the National 
Government had granted the use of Castle Island for park purposes. 
It is furnished with a small wooden draw extending over a narrow 
channel so that the island can be cut off from the mainland at any 
time. 



2 84 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Summer Street Extension Bridge (over the Midland Division tracks), 
is said to be one of tlie largest bridges of its kind in the country. It was 
constructed in 1899, in conjunction with the building of Summer Street 
Extension, which thoroughfare was built to take the place of Congress 
Street and thereby eliminate the Congress Street grade crossing. This 
bridge is 700 feet long, 19 feet above the track surface and spans 21 
sets of tracks. It is divided into four sections, three of which are 
each 200 feet long and the other 100 feet long. The bridge is con- 
structed of steel and rests on solid masonry piers and abutments. 

Athens Street Bridge is an iron structure, built in 1874. Bolton 
Street Bridge is of wood and was built in 1889. Gold Street Bridge 




CONGRESS STREET BRIDGE. 
(From roof of South Union Station.) 

was built in 1895 to replace a foot bridge erected in 1890. It is con- 
structed of iron. Dorchester Street Bridge was built in i 869. It is 
an iron structure and was repaired and put in condition in 1893. 
Southampton Street (waterway) is constructed of wood and was built 
in 1875. West Fourth Street Bridge was built in 1893-94 in conjunction 
with the elimination of the grade crossing of the Old Colony Railroad. 
It is an iron bridge extending from the end of Dover Street Bridge at the 
South Boston side to the easterly line of Foundry Street. Dorchester 
Avenue, Boston Street and Southampton Street Bridges were built in 
1900-01, each being constructed of iron. A, B and C Street Bridges 
were constructed in 1899, each being built of iron. 



CHAPTER III. 

Topography and Thokouc;hp^akes. 

Many surface changes — District originally much higher, and had several hills — Three 
distinct elevations to the present district — Improvements in contemplation — Streets 
— How laid out — Principal streets — Andrew scjuare — Retail section — Residential 
streets. 

FROM a topographical point of view South Boston has undergone 
more and greater changes than any other district in Boston, and 

even at the present time some of the most important of these 
are now being consummated, while others, equally as great, are only 
in their embryotic state. 

These great changes have not been confined to the mere razing of 
a hill or elevation, a trivial change in some particular part of its outline, 
or to the filling in of hollows among its various hills, past and present. 
To express these topographical changes briefly and in a complete and 
distinct manner, it can be said that all these combined have had their 
share in giving South Boston its present appearance, both as regards 
elevations, depressions and variations in its outline. 

Originally South l^oston was much higher than it is at present 
and at frequent intervals hills of considerable height rose from its sur- 
face. Its outline at this time was much smaller, and, as at the present 
time, was marked by few if any indentations. 

Its many years of growth, coupled with business activity and the 
great and continuous increase in population, have all played their part 
in bringing to the district its present form, both in outline and surface, 
and though, perhaps, it has suffered some from an artistic standpoint, 
it is generally conceded that what changes have been made have added 
both to the comfort and convenience of its residents as well as to the 
general betterment of business interests. 

Owing to the many changes of the past, alread)' mentioned, we 
find South Boston of today with but three distinct elevations to which 
the term hill can be applied — Telegraph Hill, Mt. Washington and 
Broadway Hill. 

Besides these there are various other elevations throughout the dis- 
trict, but none that could rightfully be called hills, being merely eleva- 
tions reaching to the general level rather than rising from it. 

Both Telegraph Hill and Mt. Washington combined were known 
in years past as Dorchester Heights, and also as the "Twin Hills," 
but this title being vague, distinct titles were given each in order to 
distinguish them. 

Telegraph Hill is the highest of the three and is situated about in 



2 86 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



the centre of South Boston, east and west. Mt. Washington, named 
for General George Washington, is a short distance northeast of Tele- 
graph Hill and includes the territory between Dorchester, r:ast Third, I, 
East Fourth and G Streets. 

Broadway Hill, known in its early history as "Bush Tree Hill," is 

next to Telegraph Hill in 
height. This elevation is 
bounded by L, East Second, 
(), and I^^ast Fourth streets, 
and a part of its surface is 
laid out as a park, known as 
Indc}:)endence Square, 

Owing to the presence 
of these hills many of the 
streets throughout the dis- 
trict are hilly, as they either 
lead directly to these emi- 
nences or connect with thor- 
oughfares that do. Among 
these may be mentioned some 
of the most important ave- 
^ 3^P^^^ nues, including Broadway, 

(LooU'ng South f,om East Sixth S'^ee*.) Dorchcstcr Strcct, Fourth 

Street, H Street, G Street and man)- others. 

There areno depressionsin the district worthy of notice, as the few 
that did exist have since been filled in and are covered with build- 





EAST BROADvVAY. 
(Looking east from L Street 



ings at the present time. The same can be said of the fields and 
meadows that once made this district famous as a pasturage. 

The greatest change in its outline was occasioned by the filling in 



ins TORN" OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



287 



of the flats on the northwest which added greatl}' to the size of the dis- 
trict and Hkewise the coastline. Marine Park and the Strand way also 
increased the amount of territor)- and to some extent the coast line. 

Through various other improvements now m contemplation, includ- 
ing the com|)ietion of the Strandwa)', the construction of a parkway on 
the present site of the New York, New Haven & Hartford roadbed, the 
completion of Co\'e Street T^xtension and similar changes, all of which 
will necessitate the raising or lowering of street grades, will bring about 
extensive changes in the general surface of South Boston in the vicinity 
of these places. 




EAST BROADWAY, AT EXTREME POINT 
(Looking east from O Street ) 

THOR()U(iHFAKES. 

South Boston's present importance is undoubtedly greatly due to 
the excellence of its highways, as such a feature of either town or city 
is always of inestimable value. 

The laying out of the district received attention many years ago 
when the population was diminutive and consequently the territory but, 
sparsely settled, so that the plan of arranging the streets in regular 
form was accomplished without difficulty. 

L..-..-,'; Next, the naming of the streets received attention and for a time 
it was thought best to call certain streets after the mayors of Boston. 
This idea was abandoned for a much better one, the alphabetical, and 
the streets that crossed these were given numerical names. 



2 88 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




Generally speakini; the streets run north and south, east and west^ 
or to be more accurate those east of Dorchester Street, are either north 
to south or east to west, while those west of Dorchester Street run 
northwest to southeast, or northeast to southwest. This difference in 
direction is occasioned by the peculiar form of the district which turns 
due east at Dorchester Street. The principal streets running north 
and south are alphabetically named from A to O Streets inclusive, with 

the exception of 
J. Dorchester Avenue 

and Dorchester 
Street. 

The principal 
streets from east to 
west, with the ex- 
ception of Broadway, 
are numerically 
named from First 
to Ninth Street In- 
dus ive. These 
streets were to be 
built u p o n and 
accordingly provis- 
ion was made for 
rear entrances by 
laying out narrower thoroughfares at the rear of each. These latter are 
almost as thoroughly occupied now as the main streets. 

The numerically named streets are crossed by Dorchester Street, 
and this being centrally located the numerical streets east of it are 
designated by prefixing the word "h^^ast" and those west of it "West." 
In this manner the district is divided, making it much more convenient 
for strangers to locate objective points and this, coupled with the 
manner of naming the streets, makes it a simple matter to find any 
particular point in the entire district. 

North of West First Street and from l^\:)rt Point Channel to E 
Street is a large section of territory known as the Commonwealth Lands, 
all laid out in streets, but little built upon as yet. South of both East 
and West Ninth Streets is the section formerly known as Washington 
Village. Dorchester Street runs through the centre of this section and 
is intersected by many small streets until Andrew Square is reached 
where it terminates. South of the square is Boston street and the con- 
tinuation of Dorchester Avenue. Both extend south and are con- 
nected at frequent intervals by short streets. East of Dorchester 
Avenue is a tract of land upon which some streets have been laid out 
and others have been only planned. 

There are three important thoroughfares in South Boston — Broad- 
way, Dorchester Avenue and Dorchester Street. Likewise there are 



DORCHESTER STREET. 
(,East from Broadway ) 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



289 



three important centres, and two of the above named streets meet at 
each. 

There is probably more traffic of all kinds at West Broadway, 
Division Street and Dorchester Avenue than any other place in South 
Boston, and hundreds of street cars, inward and outward-bound, pass 
this point dail)'. 

The junction of East Broadway, West Broadway and Dorchester 
Street is also a very important point, having almost as many car lines 
passing this point as the other, besides being an important retail busi- 
ness centre. 

Andrew Square is also an important iK)int, Dorchester Avenue, 
Southampton Street, Boston Street, Preble Street and Dorchester 




Soutnampton S*ieet. 



ANDREW SQUARE. 



Pr,b:e St'eet. 



Street all entering the square from various directions. The car traffic 
here is also large, car Imes running on three of the above named 
streets. 

West Broadway, and East Broadway between I and E streets, rep- 
resent the bulk of the retail trade in its various branches. Other 
streets, however, including Dorchester Street, Dorchester Avenue and 
D Streets, also have busy retail sections. 

Dorchester Avenue, East and West First Streets and intersecting 
■or adjacent streets, as well as Boston and Granite Streets, are the busy 
manufacturing thoroughfares, where an endless variety of articles is 
turned out every day. 

There are many pretty residential streets, including the greater 
part of East Broadway, East Fourth Street, East Fifth Street, Thomas 
Park, K Street, and various other thoroughfares. 

All of these streets receive much attention, and, generally 
speaking, are in good repair. Residential streets as a rule are macad- 



290. 



HISTORV OK SOUTH ]!C)STON. 



amized and the business streets paved with -ranite blocks, although in 
some places asphalt has been used. 

A feature of West Broadway is the bicycle paths of asphalt close 
to the curbings running from B Street to E Street. 

Summer Street Extension is practically a street of bridges, there 
being fi\'c bridges along this thoroughfare, the largest of which spans 
twenty-one sets of tracks of the Midland Division of the New York, 
New Haven and Hartford Railroad, being one of the largest bridges 
ever constructed for the purpose of eliminating a grade crossing. 

Coxington Street is another thoroughfare that is something of a 
novelty, l^eing exceptionally steep, the street was graded as far a.s 




COVINGTON STREET. 
(Looking Toward Thoma; Park) 

practicable, and then a series of flights of steps were built, completing the 
thoroughfare which extends from East Eighth Street to Thomas Park. 

Mr. William J. Eeeley was an earnest advocate for this improve- 
ment. 

It is generally conceded that K Street from East Eourth Street 
to the water is the prettiest street in South Boston. Its long rows of 
trees on either side, whose branches and foliage intermingle, forming a 
long arbor terminating in an expanse of water, is a scene, the beauty 
of which is difficult to equal. 

Thomas Park is another thoroughfare whose numerous and pretty 
trees add greatly to its appearance. G Street, Linden Street and 
other streets in this vicinity are also beautified by their many verdant 
and shapely trees. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Parks and Boulevards. 

Marine Park, City Point — Establishment begun in 1876 — Progress of tlie plans — Q 
Street widened — Piers — Castle Island secured for park uses — Boat service — Head- 
house — Public landing — Thomas Park — Small memorial erected — Independence 
Square — Commonwealth Park — Lincoln Park — M Street Playground — Gym- 
nasium planned — Boulevards — The Strand way — Extent and area — Features of 
the Strandway — Columbia Avenue — Location. 

THE benefits of parks as recreation places, as well as the beauty 
they lend to their surroundings, were realized many years ago, 
and with the rapid occupancy of great tracts of land by buildings 
of various kinds and the natural increase in population, these benefits 
become more and more evident. 

Marine Park is the largest of the five recreation grounds within 
the boundaries of South Boston, and is the only one that comes under 
the municipal system, the other places, with the exception of Common- 
wealth Park, which comes under the Bath Commission, being under the 
direct care of Superintendent William Doogue, of the Public Grounds 
Department. 

It was not until 1876 that the first steps were taken to lay out 
this territory at City Point as a park, and three years later, October 13, 
1879, the Board of Aldermen passed an order for a joint committee on 
public parks to obtain and submit to the City Council an estimate of 
the cost of land for park purposes embracing the territory between the 
easterly line of O Street, extending north to south and east to the 
Harbor Commissioners line. 

The area within these lines consisted of 1,763,006 square feet, of 
which 1,553,844 were flats valued at half a cent per foot, and 209,162 
square feet of land, valued at from six to thirty-five cents per foot. The 
estimated value of the area was $39,600 and the buildings thereon 
$11,000, making a total of $50,600. The actual cost, however, has 
amounted to $232,972.57, and the work of construction up to date 
has cost $1,047,675.06. 

The City Council passed a bill November 17, 1881, authorizing 
the City Treasurer to borrow $100,000 for the construction of a marine 
park at City Point, and the Mayor approved the bill December 24, 
1881. 

It was not until 1883 that the work of construction began, and 
during that year the surface and upland were graded, old cellars and 
depressions filled in, and a complete topographical survey and plan of 
the land taken, and the same of the flats between City Point and 
Castle Island. The expenditure for the first year amounted to $2,000. 



292 



lirSTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



During this year many suggestions were made, among the most 
important being that of connecting Castle Island with the mainland and 
making it a part of the general park plan ; another was the construction 
of a two-story pier to extend into the water from the southeasterly end 
of the park, with landing stages and accommodations for bathers. A 
petition was also sent to the Legislature asking for the use of the flats. 







^m*' 




MARINE PARK — Looking Toward Far'agut Statue. 
(Showing Boulevard.) 




MARINE PARK — Entrance From the Strandway. 
(Looking West From Head-House.) 

The following year all but two of the buildings on the land had 
been removed. The Studio building was moved to the street line, and 
was fitted up as a refectory and sheiter, all sides of the building being 
provided with spacious verandas. During this year the building of Q 
Street to its full width was urged, and the Legislature was again 
petitioned for the flats east of O Street. 

In 1885 the Legislature granted the use of the flats for park pur- 
poses. A contract was made October 23, for the construction of a 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 293 

temporary wooden pier, 1,200 feet long, from the southeast corner of 
the park, the outer end of which was afterward to be the inshore end of 
the proposed iron pier, to serve for a promenade during the construction 
of the permanent iron structure. 

The work on the structure began shortly afterward and continued, 
with but little delay, until its completion the following year. The 
structure completed was 1,166 feet long, 30 feet wide and cost $10,960. 

O Street was widened during thisyear, making it a 90-foot thorough- 
fare, and during 1886 it was extended to the north, and East First Street 
to the east, so that both streets connected at the northwest corner of the 
park. During the months of May and June of this year a section of 
the pier 354 feet long was roofed, to afford protection from the rain 
and Sim. 

During the season of 1887 an extension of the flats was granted 
for park purposes, and steps were taken regarding the addition of 
Castle Island. The pier had in the meantime proved such an attrac- 
tion that the commissioners decided that they were justified in taking 
steps regarding the construction of the iron pier. The matter of estab- 
lishing an aquarium at the park was brought before the commissioners 
this year and they voted in favor of it. On July 11, a contract was 
made for the construction of a permanent iron pier extending from the 
end of the wooden pier. 

This work began on September 9, the contract calling for an iron 
structure of twelve spans of 741 feet, with an option of five extra spans 
of 308 lineal feet, to be supported by iron columns filled with concrete. 
The work was continued with but few interruptions, the additional 
spans being added and a small artificial island constructed at the end 
as a terminal. 

In the meantime the matter of an aquarium had received attention 
and a large section of the flats was filled in adding much additional 
territory to the park and constructed in a way that left three 
large ponds which were to be used in connection with the aquarium. 
In these it was proposed to place amphibious animals and marine 
mammalia, including porpoises, seals, walruses and the like. The 
work on the ponds was not finished until the summer of 1893. 

Various improvements were made from time to time. The matter 
of securing Castle Island for park uses had been constantly urged, and 
finally May i, 1890, the United States government granted its use. 
The matter of constructing a bridge from Marine Park to the island 
was immediately proposed, but there was considerable delay in the 
matter. The work was finally begun July 14, 1891, but was not fin- 
ished until June 2, 1892. The structure cost $13,973.06. The draw 
spans a navigable channel 50 feet in width. The bridge and Castle 
Island were first opened to the public July 29, 1892. Electric arc 
lights were placed along its entire length, old buildings at the 
island were removed and many other improvements were made. 



2 94 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Probably the largest crowd that had assembled at the park up to 
that time was the throng that was present at the unveiling of the hand- 
some Farragut Statue, June 28, 1893. The statue occupies a site at 
the junction of the main boulevard and the park road leading to the 
entrance opposite Broadway. 

During this season all the old buildings, with the exception of the 
hospital and commander's house, were removed from Castle Island, and 
during the summer months a large shelter tent occupied the easterly 
side of the island which was at the disposal of the public. A plank 
walk was laid from Broadway to the end of the bridge, a much-needed 
imj^rovement. 

Much attention was given to foliage, the laying out of drives, 
grading of the beaches and similar improvements during the season of 
1894. 




MARINE PARK — Looking Toward Broadway. 
I Farragut Statue in Foreground.) 



Another attractive featuie was added to the park in 1895, when 
the boat service between Marine Park and Castle Island was installed. 
A small landing was constructed on the easterly side of the park, and 
from here small launches made trips to the island at stated times. 
Since then the service has increased, and at present launches also run 
to North End Park and to Squantum, these additional lines having been 
started in 1899. Another attraction at the park that season was the 
" floating theatre," which was moored to Castle Island Bridge. The 
novelty of the thing evidently proved to be its great attraction, for 
after it had worn off, the attendance greatl)' decreased, and the theatre 
was finally towed away. 

The construction of the Headhouse began in 1895, and on June 
1 7, 1 896, it was opened to the public. In addition to this the new 
iron pier was also completed in that )ear and was opened to the public 
two days after the Headhouse. 

The Headhouse is a picturesque building, the style being that of 
the medieval municipal council houses of German cities, and is a fac- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH I'.OSTOX. 



295 



simile of the German government building at the Chicago World's 
Fair. It is constructed of wood and is two and half stories in height, 
having double gables on all four sides, the whole being surmounted by 
a cupola containing a clock, while extending from this is a pinnacle 
bearing a copper mermaid as a weather vane. 

The exterior of the building is composed of plastered panels which 
depict the traditional and historical tale of Massachusetts Bay, in 




MARINE PARK — Head-Hcuso and Bathing Beach. 



"Sgraffito " work, an Italian art, by which, through incising, or scratch- 
ing, through different layers of varied colored cement, designs in fig- 
ures and arabesque are produced according to the desired effect. 

On either side of the building are long flights of steps leading to 
promenade platforms which flank the building on either side and lead 
directly to the pier. Beneath and between these platforms are 500 
dressing and shower bath-rooms for bathers which connect directly with 
the beach, designed for a general public bathing place. Under the 
promenade are ofifices for park keepers and other officials. 



296 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

On the ground, or terrazzo floor, of the buildhig itself is the general 
waiting room, with toilet and retiring rooms for men and women. On 
the second floor adjacent to the promenades are two large cafes, a cor- 
ridor and service rooms. On the third floor is a restaurant and kitchen. 

Various improvements at the Park have been made since. In 1899 
the plank walk running from Broadway to Castle Island Bridge was 
taken up and replaced with a broad walk of cinders and macadam, with 
planted sections on either side. Additional seating facilities A^ere 
provided from time to time and additional shrubbery added to the 
planted parts of the park. 

One of the most recent improvements was the construction of a 
public landing at the southwest section of the park. It is a staunch 
structure built upon piling and provided with a deep channel. An 
artistic building was later constructed on the landing to serve as an 
offlce, and when it was finished the landing on the Pleasure Bay side 
was removed and the park boats have made use of the new landing 
since that time. Two drinking fountains and a band stand are recent 
acquisitions. 

It is expected that in the near future Castle Island Bridge will give 
place to a permanent roadway to the island, as has already been pro- 
posed, an improvement long desired and of inestimable benefit. 

The total area of Marine Park, Castle Island, land and flats is 288 
acres. 



It was the presentation of the South Boston Memorial in 1847, to 
the City of Boston, that was directly responsible for the laying out of 
that part of Dorchester Heights, now known as Thomas Park, being 
named for the Revolutionary hero, Colonel John Thomas, who was in 
charge of a detachment at that place during the siege and evacuation of 
Boston by the British in March, 1776. 

It was not, however, reserved especially or wholly as a recreation 
place, but a portion of it was used for the construction of a reservoir, 
for up to 1849, South Boston depended upon wells and springs for its 
water supply. The reservoir, therefore, was the principal reason for 
the reservation of this section. In its construction the advantages it 
offered for recreative purposes were not overlooked, and when the 
reservoir was completed its grassy slopes had paths leading to its 
surface where a carriage drive encircled the reservoir. 

The reservoir which was recently removed occupied the easterly 
side of the park and a public demonstration marked its opening, which 
occurred November 20, 1849. 

Sometime after this the section west of the reservoir was levelled, 
paths were laid out on its surface and approaches made to it from the 
street at various places. Its high banks were later seeded and many 
handsome trees were planted on top and around the base of the enclosure 
and an iron fence was erected level with the street that encircled the 
park. 



HISTURV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



297 



It was then given over to the public as a recreation ground and 
has been devoted to such purpose since. The reservoir was emptied 
and razed in 1899 to provide a location for a high school, the handsome 
structure that now occupies the site. 

A small granite monument was erected on the westerly section of 
the grounds but a short distance from the reservoir section in 1877 to 
commemorate the evacuation of Boston. This was supplanted by a 
massive marble shaft in 1900 the corner stone being laid by Governor 




THOMAS PARK. (On Dorchester Heights ) 



Crane on May 25, of that year. Independent of the old reservoir site, 
Thomas Park contains 190,000 square feet. 



Independence Square like Thomas Park owes its being to the 
South Boston Memorial. This land and much more was kept for the 
use of the several institutions that were in close proximity to it and it 
was shown, that some sixty acres were being reserved for these insti- 
tutions where one or two would suffice. It was also shown that reserving 
such a great amount of land prevented the continuation of several im- 
portant streets. 

Upon investigation by the city authorities these facts were made 
known and in 1854, the great stockade that enclosed the territory was 
removed and later on all the streets that heretofore had ended abrubtly,. 



298 



HISTORY OF SOUTH liOSTON. 



were continued to the water, the institutions enclosed with sufficient 
land to answer their purposes, and the large square bounded by East 
Second Street, N Street, East Broadway and M Street, was set aside 
for park purposes. 

The section reserved for the park soon received attention for after 
the several streets had been put through, it was found that in order to 
have the park levelled it would have to be built up some on the East 
Second Street side and this was done, after which paths were laid out, 




f:-*\ ■ij^..g^.tt^ 







INDEPENDENCE SQUARE — Looking North. 



the majority of which led to the centre which was marked by a hand- 
some fountain. 

Later the sloping sides of the park, which had already been named 
Independence Square, were seeded and in a short time were covered with 
grass. Trees were set out in all parts of the square and a massive iron 
fence was erected, enclosing the entire place. Trees were also set out on 
all the streets upon which the square touched and in a short time the 
place began to assume its present handsome appearance. 

It has received continuous attention since that time and within a 
few years a shrubbery hedge was planted about its border in place of 
the iron fence, and other improvements made. About two years ago 
in order to give convenient approach to the square from East Second 
Street, large granolithic steps were constructed at the corner of M and 
East Second Streets and N and East Second Streets. Each season the 
park receives attention and as a result is one of the prettiest places of 
its kind in South Boston. 

Independence Square contains six and one half acres. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



299 



Commonwealth Park is one of the most recent additions to these 
places of public recreation. It is situated on the Commonwealth 
Lands and bounded by Mt. Washington Avenue, D Street, Cypher 
Street, and C Street and was set apart shortly after the filling in of 
the flats. 

After the land had been set aside, little was done with it, 
and even today it gives no indication of being a park. In 1897, how- 
ever, the matter of placing a public gymnasium on the ground was 
introduced. It met with much favor and through the efforts of 
Alderman M. W. Norris and others an appropriation was secured and 
soon the structure was under way. 

It was finally completed having all the necessary equipment for a 
place of its kind. This brought the park into more prominence than 




LINCOLN PARK, 
Emerson, M and Fourth Streets 

before, but outside of keeping the ground cleaned and in condition 
to play base-ball, foot-ball and other games nothing has been done with it. 

The present idea is to use the grounds as an open air gymnasium, 
rather than fitting them up for park purposes, and this will eventually be 
done. Last year a small track was laid out for running purposes and 
it is expected that it will be not a great while before the entire place 
will be fitted up as an open air gymnasium. 

Commonwealth Park contains 314,580 square feet. 



Lincoln Park is a small piece of land at the junction of East 
Fourth, Emerson and M Streets, which came into the possession of 
the city when it purchased the land upon which the Tuckerman School 
stands. 



;oo 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



It was laid out shortly after the construction of the school, more 
to add to the surroundings than to serve as a place of rest or recreation, 
for it was completely enclosed. Many pretty trees were planted along 
the street lines, the centre was seeded for grass and several flower 
beds were cut out and filled with various plants to add to its appearance. 

Thus it has remained since it was first set apart. It contains 
9,5 10 square feet. 

The M Street Playground which comprises the territory bounded 
by East First, M and East Second Streets, has proved to be a most 
popular resort since it was laid out some three years ago, additional 
interest being manifested in it with each succeeding year. 




M STREET PLAYGROUND, 
First. Second and M Streets, 



As yet but little has been done to bring the playground up to the 
condition planned, as it is the intention to have an open air gymnasium 
on one section of it, while the remaining ground is to be used for 
various sports. 

The ground, which contains about five acres, was formerly a part 
of the land reserved for the institutions at this part of South Boston and 
had been used to some extent for farming and gardening. When the 
insane hospital was discontinued the place fell into disuse and nothing 
was done with it until the city took it for its present purpose. 

The easterly end was immediately laid out and a bicycle and 
running track constructed while the westerly section was reserved for 
base ball and foot ball. Later hydrants were placed at convenient 
points for the purpose of supplying water with which the ground could 
be flooded in the winter, thereby providing an excellent and safe place 
for skating. 

This year, 1901, the city government has appropriated $9500 for an 
out-door gymnasium on this playground and plans are now being made 
for the equipment of the same. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. ^OI 



Boulevards. 



It was not until quite recently that South Boston had a thorough- 
fare that could be classed with the style of road known as boulevards, 
the Strandway, and even this, though much work has been done on it, is 
far from what it is planned to be. Besides, the future will give this 
district another thoroughfare of this kind which will be laid out on the 
present line of roadbed of the Old Colony Division of the New York 
New Haven and Hartford Railroad and which it is proposed to call 
Columbia Avenue. 

The Strandway which extends from the southwest corner of Marine 
Park to, and connecting with Columbia Road at Mt. Vernon Street, 
which in turn connects with Franklin Park, will, when completed, be 
one of the finest roadways in or about Boston, and the only one that 
continues for so great a distance along the very shores of a bay, a 
feature, that in itself adds to its beauty as well as its novelty. 

The benefits of such a thoroughfare, connecting Marine Park and 
Franklin Park, made themselves more and more evident as Marine 
Park began to assume its planned appearance, with the result that in 
1889. plans for the construction of this connecting link were prepared 
and submitted. 

As a result, favorable action was taken and shortly afterward 145 
acres of lands and fiats between Burnham's wharf and Marine Park 
were taken, and the work of construction was soon in progress, and 
since that time has been continued, but owing to various matters, 
principally the lack of sufficient funds, the work has suffered long 
delays at frequent intervals. 

The Strandway as planned extends from Marine Park to Columbia 
Road, the distance being some two miles, following the shore the entire 
way. As designed it is a beautiful shore drive with a total width of 
1 10 feet, including a broad road, wide walks, and planted spaces, 
besides a wide strip of clean sandy beach. 

Since the work began a solid granite retaining wall surmounted 
by an iron fence has been constructed, which extends from the west 
beach at Marine l^ark to the foot of O Street and along this wall and 
between its terminals have been constructed the Public Landing and 
four magnificent clubhouses, that of the South Boston Yacht Club, the 
Columbia Yacht Club, the Puritan Canoe Club and the Boston Yacht 
Club. Further to the west and extending almost from K Street to M 
Street has been constructed the new, beautiful and spacious L Street 
Bath-house with its distinct and separate sections, for females, men and 
boys, the finest and most popular bathing place in or about the city. 

A short distance west of this and directly at the foot of K Street 
is another clubhouse, that of the Mosquito Pleet Yacht Club. From 
here the shore line makes an inward sweep and extends along East 
Ninth Street to Burnham's wharf. This property is the one remaining 
lot that has not been secured as yet, but which it is expected will be 
very soon, thereby forming one continuous line of roadway. 



302 HISTURV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

The Strandway will, on its completion, be one of the most attrac- 
tive features of the park system, with its continuous and varying pros- 
pects over the bay and its shores, the islands to the southeast and the 
Blue Hills to the south all combining to make it a most attractive 
feature of the park system. 



Columbia Avenue, if the plans already arranged are carried out,, 
will make a most important thoroughfare, but as yet only a very small 
section of it has received attention. It will not only provide a park drive, 
but will give an almost direct avenue from the junction of the Strand- 
way and Columbia Road into the city proper by way of Dorchester 
Avenue, an advantage which alone is an important feature. 

The relocation of the tracks of the Old Colony Di\ision of the 
New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, will leave the present 
roadbed unoccupied, and as it forms a direct connection with the 
Strandway and thence to Columbia Road, being adjacent to many 
important streets, its advantages as a boulevard are at once evident. 

When the roadbed was first built, it was necessary to put in bridges 
over D and E Streets and one over the tracks at Dorchester Street, 
necessitating the lowering of the grade of the former and an increase 
in the grade of the latter. Besides, this roadbed shut off many important 
streets and has not infrequently been referred to as South Boston's 
"great wall of China." 

With the advent of the new boulevard it is expected that all these 
objections will be obliterated. The bridges will be removed, the road- 
bed will be brought down to the normal grade at D and E Streets, 
Dorchester Street will be brought down to its former grade, and most 
important of all, the numerous streets that at present terminate at the 
roadbed, will be properly graded to meet the new roadway and will 
then be extended, giving them various outlets. This will greatly alter 
the present appearance of the large section through which the roadbed 
runs and will be an improvement of inestimable benefits. 

Columbia Avenue, as planned, will be 80 feet wide and will have 
besides an excellent roadway, sidewalks and planted sections, similar to 
other park roads. It will connect with the Strandway near the foot of 
Boston Place and will form a part of the latter, until the incline to the 
Mt. Vernon Street Bridge is reached, where it will continue in a straight 
line, extending beneath the bridge, while the Strandway turns slightly 
to the south, connecting with Columbia Road and continuing to the 
west under that name. 

Columbia Avenue at present, terminates under the bridge, but it 
is the plan in future years to continue it across the marsh lands at this 
point, to connect with Savin Hill, which will not only make it a valuable 
adjunct to the park system, but will give an excellent park drive from 
Marine Park to Savin Hill or to the various sections of the city proper. 



CHAPTER V. 

Baths and Gymnasia. 

I,-Street Bath the foremost in the country — First house Ijuilt in tlie late sixties — 
Increased attendance results in improvements and greater facilities — Shower baths 
introduced — Women's Bath at the I'oint — Removed to foot of M Street — Discon- 
tinued — New location foot of L Street — Magnilicent new building, built in 1901 — 
Description — Innovations of 1901 — (iymnasia — Commonwealth Bark resort — 
Cost of same — Ward 15 gymnasium in contemplation — Description. 

WHEN the topic of public baths is under discussion the name of 
the E-Street Bath, must, necessarily be brought up, not alone 
because it is the largest and finest of its kind in the world, 
but because it is the original free public bath, the advent of which 
marked an important epoch, not only in the matter of municipal 
ownership, but in the provision of such an institution free to the public. 

It was in the late sixties that the first E-Street Bath came into 
existence when a small wooden building was erected at the foot of E 
Street, its sides containing doors leading into various closets where the 
bathers could disrobe and leave their clothing while enjoying their bath. 

This structure was for men and boys, and it proved so popular 
that it was soon impossible to accommodate those who came to the 
place owing to the lack of facilities. This led to improvements and 
greater facilities. The old building" was reconstructed, the closets on 
the west side discontinued to provide a workshop, and in order 
to make up this loss and to give additional closet room a long, low 
building was constructed at right angles to the old building which was 
devoted entirely to closets. A stone wall extending from the southerly 
end of the old building far out into the water was also constructed to 
serve the dual purpose of protecting the sandy beach from storms and 
to shut off the view to those outside. 

With these additional accommodations the bathers were well pro- 
vided for, but only for a short time, for the popularity of the place had 
spread to such an extent that persons residing within a radius of eight 
or ten miles were its patrons, and each year saw the numbers increas- 
ing to such an extent that it was not long before the place became 
inadequate to the demands made upon it. 

From year to year improvements and additions were made to the 
bath, particularly in late years, when, even though extra facilities were 
made for the accommodation of the thousands of bathers, the latter 
were always in excess of the former, so that by degrees all the room 
available was taken up in increasing the size of the place. 

During the season of 1898 four shower baths were placed at the 
disposal of the bathers, more closets were built for the men, and several 
hundred lockers were provided for the boys and set up in what was 



304 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



formerly used as the repair shop. The following winter these lockers 
were removed and fifty-nine closets built in their stead, and there was 
also placed in this section 666 pigeon holes for the use of the boys for 
the storage of their clothing. The number of closets for the men was 
increased to 276 and other improvements were made so that it was 
thought there would be ample room for the season of 1899. Under 
ordinary conditions there would have been, but the popularity of the 
bath was manifested by a still greater increase in attendance, that made 
it as inadequate as ever, and an entirely new structure was therefore 
decided upon. 

In the meantime the success of the L-Street Bath brought about 
the construction of a free bath for females at City Point near the foot 
of East Fifth Street and this proved to be a success. 

With the advent of Marine Park it became necessary to secure 
another location, and this was obtained at the southerly end of M Street 
where a building was constructed extending from which were high 
board fences which were united by another fence at the outer end, 
enclosing quite a large section. These fences shut off the view, kept 
the bathers from getting beyond their depth, and kept the water smooth 
at all times. 

This place was used until the land was taken as a part of the Strand- 
way, and in order to provide a place for the female bathers a floating 
bath-house was stationed at L-Street Bridge. For three seasons it 
remained there, and although many availed themselves of its advantages 
it was not conveniently located and did not prove to be as attractive as 
a beach bath. 

During the winter season of i89Sthe Bath Commission secured 
three small buildings, formerly used as voting booths, and setting these 
up on piles, side by side, just west of the men's bath-house, workmen 
began to alter and mike necessary improvements in them for the use 
of women and girls, so that during the season of 1895 they had a b^ach 
bath at their disp3sal once again and the attendance showed that it was 
greatly appreciated. 

In fact it proved to be such a popular place, that like the men's it 
was unable to accommodate those who visited it during the hot days of 
1900, and as a result, provision was made for the female bathers in the 
plans drawn at that time for a new bath-house at this place. 



These plans were carried out during the spring of 1901, the result 
being the present magnificent structure, the finest public bath-house in 
the world, and having the largest attendance of any other similar bath 
in the country. 

As the new building was constructed with the idea of having three 
distinct sections, one for women and girls, another for men and the 
chased about November, 1898, and very shortly afterward plans and 








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206 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

third for boys, it will readily be seen that the structure must necessarily 
be large. Its length is 820 feet, and its general width 34 feet. 

There are three central buildings, one for each of the three sec- 
tions, the most prominent of these being the mens', directly at the foot 
of L Street. The Strandway facade is constructed in panel form and 
pajnted cream and brown. This building is about 20 feet wide and 30 
feet long. On the left of the corridor on the Strandway side is the 
emergency room, to be used in case of accidents, and directly ahead is 
the ofifice, with a bay window, where keys and checks are obtained. 

On either side of the office are toilet rooms, each containing six 
closets. Directly in front of the office, and running at right angles 
with the entrance corridor, is another corridor, from which branch many 
smaller ones, each of which is lined with closets. 

This corridor running parallel with the Strandway, connects with 
two others, both on the east and west sides, running through the cov- 
ered wings and connecting with the various smaller corridors of the 
open wings. There are seventy-five closets in each of the covered 
wings reached by small corridors leading from the main ones and which 
also connect with the exits to the beach. 

Adjoining the covered wings are the open wings, each of which 
contain 140 closets, built in groups of 10, intersected by corridors 
connecting with the main corridors and also with runways to the beach. 
A long platform extends the entire length of the building on the water 
side, and here, on either side of the central building, are two sets of 
shower baths, each set contaming three showers. 

At the right of the men's building is that of the women and girls. 
The central building was formerly a kindergarten school, but was 
thoroughly overhauled and fitted up to correspond with the main 
structure. 

On the left side of the entrance facing the Strandway is the chil- 
dren's room, having 250 compartments for clothes. On the right side 
is the emergency room. Directly ahead is the office, and at either side 
of it are toilet rooms. In the office are 600 compartments for clothes. 

The right wing contains 50 closets and four shower baths, with a 
corridor running between and intersecting corridors connecting with 
the beach. The left wing is larger and contains 70 lockers and four 
shower baths. 

At the left of the mens' building is the section for the boys. On 
the left of the entrance is the emergency room and on the right the 
toilet room. Directly ahead is the office filled with compartments 
where the boys place their clothing while in the water. In stead of 
closets these wings are filled with long seats running along the walls 
and branching at right angles upon which the boys sit while disrobing. 
They then take their clothing to the office. 

The wings have doors leading to the beach. Outside, as in the 
men's section, are long platforms, upon which are two sets of shower 
baths of three each. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 307 

On the beach side of the building the division of the cUfferent sec- 
tions is very apparent, as four long, high fences run from the building 
into the water. 

The entire structure is built upon cement piers, l^oth central 
buildings and wings are lighted by electricity, and the entire structure 
is complete in every detail. 

Until 1 90 1 the bath was only at the disposal of the public when 
the tide served, three hours before and three hours after high tide. 
With the advent of the new bath-house this was changed. A wide 
channel was dug in order that water could be had at all times, and at 
present, whether the tide is high or low, those desiring to take advan- 
tage of the place, may do so without thought of the condition of the 
tide. 

The most recent feature of the mens' bath is what is commonly 
known as the "sun parlor." This is a structure of glass, occupying a 
part of the platform just west of the main ofhce. It is 30 feet long, 
14 feet wide, with an average height of 10 feet. It was constructed 
by the hardy swimmers who visit the bath all the year round and pro- 
vides a shelter from the cold winds and yet gives access to the sun 
through both roof and sides. 

It is a temporary structure of a portable design and is only for use 
during the winter. It is expected that the Bath Commission will pro- 
vide a much better and more artistic structure in the near future. 

Gymnasia. 

South Boston already has one of the finest public gymnasiums in 
the country, that at Commonwealth Park, and the foundations have 
been laid for another structure of this kind on East Ninth Street, 
adjacent to the Strandway. 

It can truthfully be said of the Commonwealth Park Gymnasium 
that no other institution of this kind in Boston is more complete or is 
more appreciated or successful than this one, and, even though it has 
only been a feature of this district for about two years, it num- 
bers its patrons in the thousands. 

It was largely through the efforts of Alderman Michael W. N orris 
that this gymnasium was established, Through his efforts and those 
of many others who had interested themselves in the idea, the City 
Council appropriated $15,000 in 1897 for the erection and fitting 
out of the gymnasium, and work on the structure began in the fall of 
1898, the state giving the city the use of the grounds upon which the 
building is budt. 

As the work progressed it became evident that more money would 
be necessary to complete it, and the City Council of 1 898 appropriated 
$5,000 additional, and later a further appropriation of S8,ooo was 
granted by the Board of Apportionment for its completion. The struc- 
ture was finished late in the spring of 1899, but was not fitted with 



3o8 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON 



the necessary apparatus until the fall of that year, and it was finally 
officially opened Nov. i, 1899. 

The entire cost of the gymnasium was $28,000. The main 
entrance which leads to the office is on D Street, and the gymnasium 
is reached by passing to the left. It includes the entire length of the 
building, being 100 feet long and 75 feet wide, the distance from the 
floor to the roof being 26 feet. Windows on three sides of the gym- 
nasium and a series of windows close to the roof give excellent light 
and ventilation. At night arc and incandescent lights are used. 

The gymnasium is fitted with al the appurtenances necessary for 
a modern institution of its kind, including nearly 200 assorted dumb- 
bells for test of strength, besides 3,000 pairs of wooden dumbbells for 




D-STREET GYMNASIUM — Exterior. 



class work. There are two sculling machines, six climbing poles, six 
climbing ropes, two adjustable Swedish vaulting machmes, two large 
mats, each weighing 500 pounds, and several smaller ones. 

There is a fine horse for vaulting work and a buck, four pairs of 
horizontal bars, high jumping machines, vaulting machines, spring 
board, two pedaling machines, rope ladder, a 60-foot hand ladder and 
six parallel bars. The building is well equipped with flying rings, chest 
developers, 28 chest weight machines, four double chest machines, four 
medicine balls, two abdominal machines and numerous wands for drills. 
Then there are pedaling machines of bicycling pattern, machines for 
the head and shoulders, legs and neck, 250 pairs of Indian clubs, 
machines for squaring the shoulders and other paraphernalia. A 
balcony about eight feet above the floor encircles the entire gymnasium 
and upon this is built a 1 7-lap running track, covered with rubber and 
having raised corners. On the main floor adjoining the gymnasium is 
a room containing 300 lockers, the shower bath room, containing 18 
shower baths, the superintendent's room, check room and key room. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



309 



Above these rooms and approached by the stairways leading to the 
track are large toilet rooms, fitted with automatic fixtures and also 
dressing rooms for women. All of these rooms are excellently lighted 
and ventilated. 

The boiler room is built apart from the gymnasium building being 
some 20 feet from the northwest corner. It contains a large horizontal 
boiler, fitted with return tanks and traps and is as complete in detail as 
the main building. 

The building is for the use of all who desire to take advantage of 
it. Tuesdays and Thursdays are set apart for the women and girls, 




D-STREET GYMNASIUM — Interior 



the rest of the week for men and boys, with the exception of Sunday. 
Supt. Walsh has charge of the gymnasium. 



Through the efforts of Councilman Daniel V. Mclsaac of Ward 
15, in 1898, the City Government transferred $10,000 to the Bath 
Department for the purchase of land and the erection of a building to 
be used as a gymnasium and bathhouse in Ward 15, and the City 
Council also appropriated $2,500 for the same purpose. 

The Bath Department after considerable study and advice from 
those who understood the needs of the neighborhood in which the bath- 
house was to be placed, finally decided on the location at East Ninth 
Street, between Dorchester and Mercer Streets. The land was pur- 



3IO HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

specifications were prepared so that the foundations would be all ready 
for the building in the spring time, it being generally understood that 
a sufficient appropriation to finish the building would be forthcoming. 

The work of excavating for the foundation began and that work 
was continued until it was completed. Progress on the building ceased 
then owing to the inability of the Bath Department to get the 
necessary money to continue the undertaking, and after that nothing 
further was done until Councilman Hickey of Ward 15, during the 
present year, 1901, introduced an order in the City Council, asking for 
$20,000 to complete the work. It passed both branches of the city 
government, only to be vetoed by Mayor Hart. Thus conditions 
remain at present. The entire cost of the land and foundations 
amounted to about jfi9,ooo, and to complete the structure, according to 
the plans already arranged, will cost about $36,000 more. 

The Bath Trustees, in studying the situation in Ward i 5 and in 
laying plans to give the best results, have prepared a very unique plan 
in that the building is designed to be used at the same time by both 
se.xes, and by a very simple arrangement, while men and boys may 
have the privilege of the gymnasium and shower baths, women and 
girls may use the plunge tank and shower baths, and vice versa. Each 
department is planned entirely separate one from the other, thus shower 
baths for the men are removed from the shower baths used by women, 
and the gymnasium and plunge tank are separated from both so that 
one may choose either one of the three places on coming to this house. 
One may want to use the gymnasium with its shower bath or may 
take the public shower bath, or take a plunge bath with its shower 
bath. This arrangement will give splendid results, being sufficient to 
take care of a large number of people who come for different purposes. 

The gymnasium is designed to be fitted with portable apparatus 
so that the floor can at any time be cleared and used for assemblages 
of one kind or another. The room itself will be about 50x80 ft. ; the 
swimming tank under its own separate roof of glass, ventilated in a 
perfect manner, is planned to be 25x75 ft. in size and will easily accom- 
modate 1,500 to 2,000 per day. 

There will be about i 5 shower baths for women and 20 for men. 
The locker rooms will be conveniently arranged and may be reached 
from the gymnasium, shower bath room and the tank by private 
stairways. There will be about 300 lockers for women and 800 for 
men. 

The heating and ventilating plan is designed to take care of the 
fullest needs of the building all the year round, and even the coldest 
day in winter the temperature of the water of the plunge bath will not 
be less than 70°. 

This structure, situated as it will be, in the midst of a thickly set- 
tled neighborhood, is destined to be of great usefulness, and it is hoped 
and expected that the necessary money to finish the building will soon 
be available. 



CHAPTER VI. 
Residences. 

Extensive variety of houses — Growth and changes since time of the old " Ten-footers " — 
Many excellent residences — Scarcity of land — Introduction of flat-houses — Great 
building activity — Apartment houses. 

AFKCULIAR and prominent feature of our district is the extensive 
variety of the residences and the exceptionally large range of 
the architectural features manifested in their construction. This 
is accounted for owing to many of South Boston's oldest houses still 
standing today, coupled with the fact that building operations have 
been going on unabated up to the present time. 

It will therefore be seen that any of the new features in 
construction introduced since the early days of South Boston can 
be found in our district, and it is not infrequent that a modern struc- 
ture, with all the latest improvements, can be found standing close 
beside one of the old landmarks, not only making an odd contrast, but 
giving evidence of the great improvements which time has brought 
about. 

In the early days the popular style of houses was that known as 
the "ten-footers," low structures as the name would indicate, having 
all the rooms on one floor, with a loft above created by the gable roof. 
Following this the two-story structure, built much on the same plan, 
was introduced, and from time to time various changes have been made, 
until, coming down to the present day, the popular style of house and 
about the only kind now being constructed within our borders is that 
commonly known as the flat-house, each floor constructed for the 
accommodation of a family. 

Though in recent years many hundred of these houses have been 
erected in South Boston, until it can safely be said that this style 
of structure is the prevailing one, it must be understood that in our dis- 
trict are many of the finest residences of their time. Many of these, 
although erected twenty or twenty five years ago, are as finely fitted 
and in as excellent condition as those recently constructed, for their 
owners have kept abreast of the times and have had placed in them all 
of the many modern conveniences with which the up-to-date house is 
equipped. 

There is but one feature that most of the best houses in the dis- 
trict lack, that is possessed by even most of the unpretentious houses 
of other districts and that is surrounding ground. A little extra ground 
in front, or at the sides of a house, for lawn or garden purposes, is an 
important adjunct, and in other districts where land is plentiful, it is 
conspicuous and lends a pretty and artistic appearance to the structures 



312 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



themselves. In South Boston it is different. Land here is scarce, and 
consequently has additional value, and even though it might be a strong 
factor, so far as beautification is concerned, it has not had the power to 
appeal to builders here. 

In consequence of this many houses that would be quite imposing 
with a lawn either about the sides or front, fail to attract attention 
when constructed on the street line, and even though excellently fin- 
ished and arranged inside, the exterior appearance has a tendency to 
detract from the entire structure. 

There are, however, a few of these houses with small gardens or 




O. D. DANA ESTATE —Corner of M Street and East Broadway. 
(Now Owned by James Duffy.) 



lawns in front, while others have more or less land all about them, but 
such are by far the exception and by no means the rule. 

Though there are many beautiful residences scattered throughout 
our district, it is generally conceded that Mt. Washington, Thomas 
Park, Broadway Hill and places in their vicinity are the prominent 
residential sections of our district and the places possessing the best 
residences. 

The houses in these localities are for the most part structures 
erected at various times within the past quarter of a century, some even 
earlier than that, but, though not coming within the class that might be 
termed new houses, yet they have been kept in such excellent condition 
and have had added to them from time to time the most recent improve- 
ments, in plumbing, ventilation, heating, interior decorations and other 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



313 



of the modern improvements too numerous to specify, that they are by 
far the finest residences to be found here and will compare favorably 
with many of best residences of other districts. 

Many of these houses are constructed in blocks while not a few 
stand by themselves or are built in the double form. Some of them 
are constructed of wood, but most of the better houses are built of 
brick, having either brownstone, sandstone or marble trimmings. 

There are other residences, perhaps not so large, elaborate or 
imposing as this style already mentioned, but they are none the less 
comfortable, or in better condition. It might truthfully be said, that 
with the exception of a few sections in our district, that the residences 
are all that can be desired, for perhaps where one lacks magnificence 




BENJAMIN DEAN ESTATE— East Broad/vay and Q St'eet. 
(Now Owned by Will'am J. Higgins ) 

in exterior appearance, its interior arrangement needs nothing in the 
way of improvement. 

Flat-houses first made their appearance about 1880 to 1885, but at 
that time did not prove popular to the public taste, and consequently 
for several years only a few were erected. Something more than a 
decade later, however, they seem to have come into general favor, and it 
was at that time that much property was purchased throughout South 
Boston, for the purpose of erecting this style of dwelling. 

It was predicted at that time that these nouses were merely a 
novelty or a sort of public fad that would maintain their popular 
attractiveness for a short time only and would then be deserted by 
their occupants for the single family houses again. 



314 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Whether this prediction will ever become a reality is uncertain, 
but it is very certain that those who referred to these houses as novelties 
and fads and who prognosticated an early abandonment of them by 
their occupants, were, to say the least, somewhat mistaken as to the time. 

After building operations were fairly under way it seemed as if 
nothing could stop the rapid growth of the flat-house. All of the 





RESIDENCE OF HON JOSEPH D FALLON. 
Corner M Street and East Broadway 



GLYNN BUILDING, 
E Street and West Broadway 




John A. Stetson. 



Wm. F. Tufts. Hon. Henry F, Nap::- 

RESIDENCES ON EAST BROADWAY. 



Co.. J. Paybon Bradley. 



Streets throughout South Boston seemed to be invaded and almost 
every vacant piece of land throughout the district has been secured 
from time to time since the operations began, and flat-houses erected. 
Unfortunately some of the builders, through lack of pride in 
the district or who could not forsee an ultimate decrease in valuation 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 315 

ill their property, througli their greed for heavy incomes on their 
investments, erected in some cases structures hardly worthy of the name. 

In some cases these buildings were erected in extensive blocks, 
perfectly plain and with as few of the modern conveniences as pos- 
sible. They proved good paying investments while their newness 
remained, but were then deserted by their occupants who sought out 
other new houses. 

As a result, they not only detracted from the appearance of the 
thoroughfares upon which they were erected, and had a tendency to 
cheapen the neighborhood, but through the poor form of construction 
and the lack of stability, they required constant repairs in order to keep 
them in rentable and tenable condition. 

In this manner property that would have increased in value, had 
staunch and artistic houses been erected, either remained at its original 
value or had a tendency to decrease, while the constant and endless 
repairs required, reduced the income to such an extent, that the 
investor failed to realize a proper percentage on his investment, 
while at the same time, the defects that were constantly apparent 
through poor construction had a tendency to prevent a disposal of the 
property. 

This, however, was by no means general and in many cases some 
excellent samples of both two and three flat-houses can be seen in our 
district, each flat containing every convenience. 

Another style of building that has been introduced within recent 
years is the apartment house, or hotel as some are called, and some 
excellent specimens of this style of architecture can also be found in 
South Boston. Notable among these latter are Hotel Eaton, The 
Hawes, Glynn Building and The Stebbins. 

Many former South Boston residents have moved from the district, 
for one reason or another, and, even at the present time, there are 
familiar faces gradually departing to other sections of the city. Quite 
a number have purchased houses in Dorchester, Brookline or Brighton. 
Were it not for this latter circumstance, it is known that there are 
many who would gladly return to their old abiding place. Year after 
year sees the return to the district of some who, perhaps, thought they 
would like a change and thus sought another community, but not 
having purchased elsewhere return joyously to old South Boston. 



CHAPTER VII. 
Memorials and Statues. 

Tablet on^'Dorchester Heights — Farragut Statue, Marine Park — Its unveiling and 
the attending ceremonies — Nook Hill memorial on Lawrence School — Ihe 
magnificent Dorchester Heights monument — High School tablet. 

COMMEMORATIVE of men of valor whose acts, overflowing 
with heroism, fearlessness and patriotism, have given our country 
the exalted position it holds today and who have brought, not 
alone honor, liberty and union to our own country, but freedom from 
oppression to our neighbor, South Boston has dedicated imposing and 
lasting memorials of stone and metal. 

The first of these was a small granite stone that was located on 
Dorchester Heights to mark that place for the conspicuous part it took 
in compelling the British to evacuate Boston, March i'/,*''\'j'j6. 

It was not until 1876, however, that an appropriation was asked 
for this memorial. At that time an order was introduced in the City 
Council asking for the necessary funds. The order was passed without 
difficulty and a design was immediately gotten up, which, on being 
accepted, was given to the stone cutter and work on the memorial 
promptly commenced. 

The design called for a stone of granite, the extreme height being 
about six feet and having a base about five feet long and three feet 
wide, to rest on a solid stone foundation and to be suitably carved and 
inscribed. 

It did not take a great while to complete the memorial, and the 
following year, 1877, it was placed in position on the apex of the 
Heights close to a point where the various walks united, forming a 
small open place. 

The design was quite simple, the east and west sides containing 
representations in bas-relief of old Revolutionary cannon, surmounted 
by a cannon-ball. 

Both the north and south faces of the memorial were polished and 
bore inscriptions cut into the stone. On the north was cut : 

THE ERECTION OF THIS TABLET 

AVAS AUTHORIZED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF 

BOSTON A.D. 1876 

SAMUEL C. COBB MAYOR. 

COMPLETED A.D. 1 877. 

FREDERICK O. PRINCE MAYOR. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 3 i 7 

The south side bore the following : 

LOCATION OF THE 
AMERICAN REDOUBTS 

ON 

DORCHESTER HEIGHTS 

WHICH COMPELLED THE EVACUATION 

OF BOSTON BY THE BRITISH ARMY 

MARCH 17, 1776. 

On top the four sides of the stone slope towards the centre and 
the whole is surmounted by a group of five cannon balls in pyramid 
form. 



There are but two statues in the United States erected to the 
memory of the dauntless naval commander, Admiral David Glasgow 
Farragut, " the hero of Mobile Bay," one erected by the nation he 
served so well and occupying a position in the centre of Farragut 
Square, Washington, D. C, the other erected in his honor by the City 
of Boston and occupying the most prominent site at Marine Park. 

It was through an order introduced by Councilman Kelley of 
Ward 8, December 6, 1888, in which it was ordered "That the Special 
Committee on the Grant and Sheridan Statues consider the expediency 
of erecting monuments or statues to the memory of Generals George 
B. McClellan and Winfield S. Hancock and Admiral David G. Farra- 
gut," that this statue was erected. 

An order was introduced December 27, recommending reference 
of the matter to the next City Council and it was so referred. Council- 
man Keenan, also of Ward 8, introduced the matter again, February 
14, 1889. The order was passed, the Board of Aldermen concurred, 
and a committee was appointed to take charge. The committee com- 
prised Aldermen Homer Rogers, John A. McLaughlin, Albert A. 
Folsom, Councilman Horace G. Allen, Louis M. Clark, Thomas F. 
Keenan, Benjamin F. Hatch and Richard Sullivan. 

The committee then advertised for designs and models for statues 
and having made a selection of a model of Admiral Farragut, it sub- 
mitted its report accompanied by an order authorizing the Mayor to 
contract for the statue of Admiral Farragut. The order was adopted 
by the Common Council, concurred in by the Aldermen at the meeting 
held January 4, 1890, and approved by the Mayor January 4, 1890. 

Work on the statue was immediately begun, and though several un- 
avoidable delays occurred, the statue was finished within two years. 
Marine Park was selected as the place for the statue and a committee 
was appointed to make necessary arrangements for the dedication. It 
was first proposed to dedicate the statue September 17th 1892, and 
later on Memorial Day, May 30, 1893, and it was finally fixed for June 
28, 1893. 



3l8 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

That day was one long to be remembered by South Boston. It 
was a gala day. The city offices and schools throughout the city were 
closed. Flags were displayed on public buildings and in many ways 
the event was observed. 

In South Boston everything assumed gala attire, and here the 
event was observed as a holiday, stores and offices being closed in honor 
of the occasion. Houses and buildings were decorated and the citizens 
displayed their hospitality by holding open-house and during the day 
and evening thousands were entertained. 

The programme as arranged by the committee was carried out 
successfully, the main feature being a parade, military and civic, preceed- 
ing the dedication and unveiling of the statue, followed in the afternoon 
and evening with band concerts and a pyrotechnic display. 

Dr. William H. Ruddick of South Boston was selected as chief 
marshal of the parade and his staff contained many other well known 
residents. The parade was a lengthy and varied one, consisting of 
eight divisions which formed on West Fourth Street and the cross 
streets between A and E Streets. The start was made at 2.40 o'clock, 
the line of march being through Broadway, direct to Marine Park. 

With colors flying and bands playing the procession passed, there 
being in line U. S. Marines from the Charlestown Navy Yard, sailors 
and naval cadets from the U. S. S. San Francisco, naval cadets from 
the training-ship Enterprise, the Massachusetts Naval Brigade, four 
companies of the Ninth Regiment, a platoon from Light Battery A 
Second Brigade, Kearsarge Naval Veterans, Admiral Kimberley Gar- 
rison 73, Farragut Garrison 26, Gen. I. S. McKenzie Garrison 4, Dahl- 
gren Post 2, G. A. R., Washington Post 12, G. A. R., Gettysburg Com- 
mand, U. V. U. Following these were officers of the United States 
Navy and the officers of the Russian fleet, at that time in Boston Har- 
bor, who were in carriages, and they were in turn followed by members 
of the state and city governments and United States senators and rep- 
resentatives also in carriages. The remainder of the procession con- 
sisted of the letter carriers, members of the various yacht clubs and 
social organizations and various floats. 

On the arrival of the procession at Marine Park, the place was 
thronged. The unveiling exercises commenced immediately and after 
the rendition of Keller's American Hymn by Carter's band the Rev. 
Edward A. Horton offered prayer, and this was followed by the reading 
of a poem written and dedicated to the occasion by Henry O'Meara. 
Wagner's " Pilgrim Chorus " was then rendered by the band, after 
which the oration of the day was delivered by former Governor 
Alexander H. Rice. 

The oration was a masterly one and a fitting tribute to the hero 
whose memory was being honored. Toward the end of his remarks 
the speaker exclaimed, " Unveil the statue and let the bronze lips for- 
evermore accentuate his fame," and as the words were uttered Miss 
Annie E. Flood, daughter of Alderman Flood, drew the cord that 



HISTORY ()V SOUTH I'.OSTON. 



319 



allowed the covering" to drop from the statue and reveal the likeness of 
Admiral Farragut. 

Captain N. Zelonoy commanding the Russian cruiser Dimitry 
Donskoi, was introduced to the assemblage after the plaudits that 
greeted the unveiling had ceased, and he delivered a short address. 
His remarks were followed with benediction, closing the ceremonies. 

June 28 received the name of Farra- 
gut Day throughout South Boston and each 
year from the time of the dedication until 
1901 with the exception of 1899, the cit)- 
granted an appropriation for the observ- 
ance of the day. It was then discontinued ^^i/^ ^ 
owing 
Day. 





r 



i'A 



:M 



to the introduction of Evacuation 



Though time has brought about the 
disappearance of Nook Hill it has not 
obliterated from history or the minds of a 
patriotic people the part that this site took 
in the evacuation of Boston by the British 
soldiers. It was the taking and fortifying 
of this hill by Washington's troops, after 
they had taken Dorchester Heights, that 
convinced the soldiers of King George, that 
there was no choice for them — it was 
fight or evacuate, and they decided to do 
the latter. 

Many years after, Nook Hill was 
reduced, and later the Lawrence School 
was erected on a part of the site of the 
hill, while houses were erected on the 
remainder. In this way its prominence 
was obliterated gradually and would per- 
haps in years be forgotten had it not been 
for the Massachusetts Society of the Sons 
of the Revolution. 

This society, realizing the historic value of the place and also the 
danger that threatened it, arranged to have a bronze tablet cast, telling 
of the part that Nook Hill took in the evacuation of Boston and secured 
permission from the school board to place the tablet on the front of the 
Lawrence School when it was completed. 

This was done, and on Friday, March 16, 1901, the tablet was 
unveiled for the first time. Principal Amos Leonard of the Lawrence 
School had arranged an excellent programme for the occasion in 
which the scholars took part and the exercises proved to be appropriate 
and interesting. 

After the tablet had been unveiled all adjourned to the school hall 
and under the direction of Principal Leonard the exercises began at 3 




-r^Ap 



STATUE OF 

ADMIRAL DAVID G. FARRAGUT. 

Marine Park. 



320 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



o'clock. A piano solo, " My Country 'Tis of Thee," was rendered on 
the piano by Miss Jennie E. Bailey, " Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean," 
was sung by the scholars of the first class, " Warren's Address to His 
SoldiersBefore the Battle of Bunker Hill," was read by Master Axel 
G. Dehly, " Patriotic Statues of Boston," was the subject of a recitation 
by Master Flynn, " The American Soldier," was a recitation given by 
Master Matthew V. Callahan. At the conclusion of the recitations the 
school sang " My Own, My Native Land." 

Principal Leonard then introduced Maj. Frank Harrison Briggs, 




LAWRENCE SCHOOL TABLET— Commemorating Important Action on Marcln 16, 1776. 



president of the Massachusetts Society of Sons of the Revolution, who 
delivered an historical address on the evacuation of Boston. Toward 
the conclusion of his remarks he presented the tablet to the City of 
Boston. School Committeeman Nichols in a short address accepted the 
tablet for the city. 

Mr. Thomas Hill, president of the South Boston Savings Bank 
and one of the oldest and most esteemed residents of South Boston, 
delivered a short address, telling of South Boston in its early days and 
of the progress made since the time of Nook Hill. 



Dorchester Heights monument, the handsome massive marble 
shaft that rises from the apex of Dorchester Heights to mark that his- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 32 I 

toric place, is not only the most important of South Boston's memorials, 
but also bears the distinction of being the only memorial of its kind 
ev^er erected by the state of Massachusetts. 

One of the first acts of Representative John J. Toomey, after he 
became a member of the House of 1897, was to give his attention to the 
erection of a memorial that would be a fitting tribute to the great vic- 
tory of Gen. Washington and his soldiers in compelling the British 
troops under Gen. Howe to evacuate Boston, and to mark in an appro- 
priate manner this historic spot, upon which the American patriots 
constructed the redoubts that made this great victory possible. 

Representative Toomey introduced the resolve asking for an appro- 
priation for the construction of this monument January 31, 1897, and, 
strange though it may seem, there was no body of men or organization 
in South Boston willing to co-operate with him. He, however, interested 
Dr. William H. Ruddick and Col. J. Payson Bradley, who attended the 
first hearing before the Committee on Military Affairs, held at the 
State House, March 4, 1897. Representatives of the Sons of the Rev- 
olution, Daughters of the Revolution, Society of Cincinnati, Grand 
Army of the Republic, Union Veterans Union, Union Veterans Legion 
and Sons of Veterans were also present. 

Speeches were made by President Edward S. Barrett of the Sons 
of the Revolution, Senator James A. Gallivan, Mrs. William Lee of the 
Daughters of the Revolution, Col. D. S. Lamson, Dr. William H. 
Ruddick, Hon. William S. McNary, Representative Toomey and Col. J. 
Payson Bradley. 

A week later the Committee on Military Affairs visited Dorchester 
Heights and the members, after looking over the place, expressed 
themselves as being much in favor of a suitable memorial for the place. 
Unfortunately there was opposition to the proposed monument by some 
of the residents, who intimated to the committee that its erection would 
interfere with the project for a high school, which it was intended to 
erect on the reservoir lot of Dorchester Heights. This delayed action 
on the part of the Committee on Military Affairs, and it finally referred 
the matter to the next General Court, and on April 26, 1897, the 
Senate voted to refer the resolve to the next General Court. 

The following year, former Representative Toomey saw that the 
matter was again brought up, and on F'ebruary 28, 1898, another hear- 
ing was given by the Committee on Military Affairs. Those who spoke 
on this occasion were President Edward S. Barrett of the Sons of the 
American Revolution, Mrs. William Lee of the Daughters of the 
Revolution, Col. J. Payson Bradley, Commander Fredolin Kramer 
of Dahlgren Post No. 2, G. A. R., Representative James B. Clancy, 
former Representatives John J. Toomey and Charles J. Chance, and 
letters were read from Rear Admiral Belknap, U.S.N. , and Dr William 
H. Ruddick. 

As a result the committee expressed itself as favorable to an appro- 
priation providing the City of Boston would set aside a suitable place 



322 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



on Dorchester Heights for the monument and promise to maintain it. 
At a conference with the legislative committee held March 4, Mayor 
Josiah Ouincy gave this assurance, and the committee reported favor- 
ably for an appropriation of $25,000. 

The Boston Transcript, through its editorial columns, did much to 
aid in securing the appropriation and also to urge the completion of the 
monument without delay. It was not until October that the formal 
provision for a site was made, and though Messrs. Toomey, Bradley 







DORCHESTER HEIGHTS MONUMENT. 

Commemorating the erect'fn cf r< doubts by General Washington and his army, March 4 and 5, 1776. 

{Erected by the State of Massachusetts, igon.) 

and Ruddick continued their efforts, it was not until March, 1899, that 
Gov. Wolcott appointed a committee of his council to decide upon a 
design. This committee comprised Lieut. -Gov. Crane and Coun- 
cillors Charles I. Quirk and William W. Davis. 

Several conferences were held with the South Boston committee, 
and eight architects of the city were invited to offer designs, the suc- 
cessful one to receive five per cent of the appropriation and each of the 
others $100. A design was accepted in October, although the material. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 323 

which was of brick, was rejected, and it was proposed to build it of 
granite. This was later changed, through an offer made by a concern 
which desired to construct the shaft of Georgia marble, and the bid 
being satisfactory a contract was made the latter part of October. 

The site chosen for the monument was the topmost point of what, 
in Revolutionary times, was known as the West Hill, thus distinguishing 
it from the other Twin Hill, on which the Perkins Institution 
is located. Plans in the possession of the City PLngineer denotes this 
point on the West Hill as the exact location of what was the centre of 
the redoubts. 

It was not until P^ebruary, 1900, that ground was broken, and on 
March 18, the first stone was laid. The work then progressed, and on 
the morning of May 25, 1900, the corner stone was laid by Gov. W. 
Murray Crane in the presence of a small gathering. Addresses were 
made by Gov. Crane, former Representative Toomey and Dr. W. H. 
Ruddick. 

The work was then carried on, and when the shaft had been com- 
pleted iron spiral stairs were built inside which have proved to be 
InsufTficient. No terrace was built as had been planned, as the 
appropriation was simply for the monument. More delay occurred until 
Representative lidward L. Logan in 1901 introduced a resolve calling 
for an additional appropriation, and $8,000 was provided to continue the 
work, but owing to a delay in the Senate it was not until June that 
it reached Gov. Crane, who immediately signed it. 

Shortly afterward. Gov. Crane, at the request of the South Boston 
committee, appointed a committee to take charge of the work, 
comprising Lieut. -Gov. John L. Bates and Councillors Jeremiah 
J. McNamara and Arthur Maxwell. This committee, September 18, 
1 90 1, voted to approve the execution of a contract for the building of 
the terrace and grading the surroundings in accordance with the plans 
of the architect, and it is now expected that the monument will be com- 
pleted in the spring of 1902, although another appropriation may be 
necessary to remove the present stairs and put in proper ones. 

This monument, one of the finest in the eastern part of the United 
States, serves the double purpose of being a memorial to a great 
national event and at the same time an observatory from which a 
beautiful view may be had within a radius of fifteen miles. 

It is constructed of Georgia marble rising from a mound ten feet 
high at the intersection of the various walks on top of Dorchester 
Heights. It reaches a height of 106 feet 7 inches surmounted by a 
pinnacle and weather vane 18 feet high. At the base the monument 
is 18 feet 4 inches square. The entrance, on the easterly side, is 10 
feet 8 inches in height and 4 feet 8 inches in width. 

About seventy-eight feet above the surface of the park is the chief 
observation point while below this are other levels from which a view 
can be had. The first of these are the openings on all four sides which 



324 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



are about forty feet from the ground and the others are the balconies 
on all four sides which are about twenty feet above the windows. 

It is planned to place on the west side of the monument a large 
bronze tablet suitabl}' inscribed, and to President Elliott of Harvard 
University has been accorded the honor of writing the inscription, the 
following being a copy of what he has submitted : 

ON THESE HEIGHTS 

DURING THE NIGHT OF MARCH 4TH 1 7/6, 

THE AMERICAN TROOPS BESIEGING BOSTON 

BUILT TWO REDOUBTS 

WHICH MADE THE HARBOR AND TOWN 

UNTENABLE BY THE BRITISH FLEET AND GARRISON. 

ON MARCH I7TH THE BRITISH FLEET 

CARRYING 11,000 EFFECTIVE MEN 

AND 1,000 REFUGEES 

DROPPED DOWN TO NANTASKET ROADS 

AND THENCEFORTH 

BOSTON WAS FREE. 

A STRONG BRITISH FORCE 

HAD BEEN EXPELLED 

FROM ONE OF THE UNITED AMERICAN COLONIES. 

It is intended by the projectors of the monument and it is the 
desire of the state authorities that admission to the monument shall be 
absolutely free, that thus thousands of visitors may visit our historic 
section, and from the top of Dorchester Heights monument, get a good 
idea of the magnificence of our domain. 

The most recent of memorials to heroes who gave of their best to 
the country's cause, is the bronze tablet on the walls of the High 
School building, commemorative of those soldiers who died in the 
Spanish-American War. With the hundreds of others from the district, 
they quickly responded to the call of their country, ready to do or die, 
not knowing which might be their lot. 

Besides those who died upon the field of battle there were many 
who contracted disease in the hot climate of Cuba, which resulted in 
their untimely death. 

Two years after the close of the war, one of the first acts of 
Major M. J. O'Connor Camp 4, Legion of Spanish-American War 
Veterans, was the appointing of a committee to arrange for a tablet to 
contain the names of the soldiers from South Boston who died during 
the war. Through the efforts of Dr. William J. Gallivan, President of 
the School Board, a space in the walls of the High School building, 
then being erected, was reserved for the tablet and the committee of 
the Camp then proceeded with its work. 

A most careful and diligent search was made for the names of all 
the soldiers from South Boston who died in the war, and the committee, 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



325 



when it had completed its investigations, felt satisfied that no soldier's 
name had been omitted. 

This memorial is to be seen on the first fioor of the High School 



^MIlSI^T^MiT^jrKU'Kfi 



:ilCHAEL J. O'.CONNOP. 

wpor-al. thomas v.'. gallagher, c 
Corporal thomas d. mcleod. co, b. 
artificer leo j. brady, co. c. 
private john j. p-eard, co. b. 

PR IV.ATE "'GEORGE ft'-MfcLADCHLIN, CO. 3 
PRIVATE 'MICHAEL K, LEON.ARD. CO, C. 
PftlVATE-'JOHN. J. O'TOOLE, CO. C 
PRIVATE PATRieiCF. MORIARTY, CO. E, 



SERGEANT STEPHEN D, MURPHr. CO- i. 
CORPORAL SAMUEL P. WILEY, CO. C. 
CORPORAL' THOMAS A, COSTEtLLO, CO. 
PRIVATE TIMOTHY J. TEHAN, CO. H. 
PRIVATE PATRICK J. DONAHUE. CO. H. 
PRIVATE JOSEPH -S. DONAHUE, CO. H. 
PRIVATE ELDEN p. KEEN E. CO. H. 
PRIVATE THOMAS F. FENTON. CO. I. 
PRIVATE HENRY 3. DRISCOLL CO.E. 



PRIVATE- MARTIN GREEN, BATTERY B.. SECOND U, S. ARTILLERY. 
PRIVATE GEORGE J. V^HITT-EN. CO. E., SEVENTH U," S. INFANTRY. 
PRIVATE ALBERT F. GATEO^EY. CO. H., SEVENTH U. S. INFANTRY, 

^'^"..'A— ^ HENRY C. KN/,r=' '-"^.""i-AL CORPS, :U, S. ARMY 



sBSmm^S^ 



HIGH SCHOOL TABLET— Commemorating men who died in the Spanish War 



building, directly opposite the main entrance, and it immediately 
attracts the attention of all visitors. 

The tablet contains twenty-two names, is of heavy bronze and is a 
splendid piece of work. Major M. J. O'Connor Camp may well feel 
proud of its memorial to its honored dead. 

Thus it is that South Boston has four memorials commemorative 
of valiant and noble deeds rendered in times of war. The first, Farra- 
gut Statue, recalls the hero of Mobile Bay. It was erected by the City 
of Boston. The second, Nook Hill tablet, marks the spot where the 
American troops, under Gen. Washington, took its final stand and 
whereon they built fortifications on the night of March i6, 1776. This 
was placed on the Lawrence School by the Massachusetts Society of 
the Sons of the Revolution. Then the monument on Dorchester 
Heights, commemorative of the great strategic movement of March 4 
and 5, 1776, which was responsible for the evacuation of Boston, was 
erected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is the work of 
Norcross Brothers, contractors. Finally the High School tablet, the 
result of the efforts of Maj. M. J. O'Connor Camp, L. S. W. V., recalls 
the young men who gave up their lives in the Spanish-American War 
of 1898. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Schools and Schoolmasters. 

Sixth Division — Number of schools — Special studies and teachers — Other than the 
Boston public schools — South Boston High School — Description — Dedication — ■ 
Bigelovv School district — Changes — New Building — Masters — Staff of igoi — 
Gaston School district — Grammar School once damaged by tire — Staff — John A. 
Andrew School district — Staff — Lawrence School district — Location an historic 
one — Splendid library a feature — Staff — Lincoln School district — Staff — Nor- 
cross School district — Staff — Shurtleff School district — Location — Staff — 
Thomas N. Hart School district — Historic location — Staff — Sketches of Masters. 

SEVERAL divisions go to make up tlie school system of Boston the 
section included within the boundaries of South Boston being 
known as the Sixth Division. In order to facilitate matters each 
division is made up of several districts, each district including at least 
two school buildings, one for primary and the other for grammar 
classes, the district taking the name of the grammar school included 
within its limits. 

The Sixth Division, therefore, consists of the High School and 
eight districts, including the following schools: Bigelow (grammar), 
and the Hawes and Simonds Schools, Gaston (grammar) and the Ben- 
jamin Pope Schools, John A. Andrew (grammar) and the Ticknor 
Schools, Lawrence (grammar), Parkman, Old Parkman and the Samuel 
G. Howe Schools, Lincoln (grammar), Tuckerman and Choate Burn- 
ham Schools, Norcross (grammar), Drake and Cyrus Alger Schools, 
Shurtleff (grammar) and Clinch Schools, Thomas N. Hart (grammar), 
Capen and Benjamin Dean Schools. 

In this way the masters of the grammar schools not only have 
charge of one school but of all that come within their particular district. 
Besides these, every district, with the exception of the Bigelow, have 
kindergarten schools, or classes as they are more generally called. It 
will therefore be seen that a pupil passes through the kindergarten, 
primary and grammar classes, without going outside of the district. 

The South Boston High School is not included in the districts of 
the Sixth Division, as, like other high schools, it depends upon the 
entire division for its pupils. Graduates from all of the grammar 
schools of the division and even outside of it are received at the High 
School. 

Besides the usual studies in the grammar classes special studies 
are also given in manual training, sewing and cookery. The manual 
training instructors are Sybel G. Brown, Louise H. Billings, Olive I. 
Harris and Helen F. Veasey, cookery Julia T. Crowley, sewing Mary 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 327 

T. Patterson, Elizabeth S. Kenna, Catherine J. Cadogan, Mary J. 
Mclntyre and M. Lilhan Dunbar. 

Another feature of the jnibhc school system is the evening classes 
that are open to both young and old during the winter months. These 
schools are conducted in the Lincoln and Bigelow school buildings. 
During the erection of the new Bigelow School the Norcross School has 
been used for the evening classes. 

Besides the public schools, there are within the boundaries of 
South Boston three parochial schools, St. Agnes School of the Gate of 
Heaven parish, St. Augustine's School of St. Augustine's parish and 
St. Joseph's Female School of SS. Peter and Paul's parish. 

Under the head of schools must be mentioned, also, the South 
Boston School of Art, which, through the benevolence of the late John 
Hawes, has provided South Boston with a place of learning where not 
only art, as the term implies, but stenography, naval architecture and 
various other studies are taught. This school is tree to residents, both 
male and female. There is also the German School at the corner of F 
and West Sixth Streets. 

South Boston High School. 

It was not until the fall of 1901 that the district could boast of a 
high school. In saying this it is not amiss to make use of the old 
proverb, "Patient waiters are no losers," for the building is one of 
which every resident can be justly proud. 

The building, which occupies what was formerly the reservoir lot 
in Thomas Park, a section of historic Dorchester Heights, is a most 
imposing structure, and situated as it is upon the highest ground in 
South Boston, is conspicuous from all directions, making it a prominent 
landmark, overlooking as it does the harbor and the entire city. 

It was constructed from plans of Herbert D. Hale, and is a three- 
story structure above a half basement, having a front line of 220 feet 
facing G Street and a depth of 122 feet toward Telegraph Hill. Gen- 
erally speaking the architectural style is colonial. The skyline is a fac- 
.simile of the Executive Mansion at Washington, D. C. 

The building is constructed of light mottled gray brick with lime- 
stone trimmings and is lighted by four pane windows throughout. The 
keynote of the plan is the two large interior courts, open from the base- 
ment to the roof and lined with light gray brick, which arrangement 
gives ample light and ventilation to the corridors and central rooms. 

Setting well back from the street line the building is approached 
by a walk. Sixteen granite steps lead up to the central entrance which 
consists of a group of three doors that open into a large vestibule, fin- 
ished in white and Knoxville marble. 

Beyond this is the stair hall, sixty feet wide, exclusive of the stairs. 
The floor is of marble mosaic and the walls are finished with marble 
dadoes, the space being relieved by Doric columns, similar to those of 



328 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



the old Doric Hall at the State House. From this magnificent hall 
entrance is had to the gallery of the gymnasium and drill hall. 

At each of the front corners of the first floor are double class 
room.>, with single class rooms and recitation rooms adjoining, also class 
rooms at either side of the drill hall, making practically ten class rooms 
on this floor. The second floor is laid out in a similar manner, with 
the exception of the master's room, assistants' room, library and toilet 
room, which are directly over the main corridors of the first floor. 

From the corridors on the second floor four doors open into an 
assembly hall, having a seating capacity of i,ooo. This is directly over 




HIL^H SCHOOL. 
Thomas Park, Fronting on G Street. 



the gymnasium and is finished in quiet colors, the general effect being 
Pompeiian. The stage is fitted with rising tiers of seats sufficient to 
accommodate an entire graduating class of 120 or 150, and has two 
ante-rooms leading from it, one on either side. The gallery, supported 
by Doric columns, is a feature of the hall. The hall is lighted from the 
ceiling which is of glass, having a border of fretwork. 

On the third floor, which takes in the upper part of the assembly 
hall, are two class rooms, laboratories for physics, chemistry, zoology, 
botany, etc., besides rooms for apparatus and instruction in drawing. 
There is also a large lecture hall on this floor fitted with seats placed 
in rising tiers. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH ]!OSTON. 329 

In the basement is the main part of the drill hall and <;ymnasium 
measuring 60x77 feet. Here also are two large rooms fitted with many 
tiers of lockers. Besides these there are the shower bath rooms, 
bicycle rooms, lunch room, kitchen and janitor's quarters. The con- 
tract for erecting the building was $242,971, but before completion 
cost nearly $300,000. 

At the beginning of the school year, in the fall of 1901, the build- 
ing was first occupied, the boys and girls of South Boston, who had 
been attending the high schools in the city proper, being transferred to 
the new school. It was not until Tuesday, November 26, 1901, how- 
ever, that the new building was dedicated, at which time fitting exer- 
cises were held, consisting of addresses by Mr. Thomas J. Kenny of 
the School Board, who presided, Mr. Herbert D. Hale, Mr. William F. 
Merritt, Chairman of the Committee on New Buildings, Dr. William J. 
Gallivan, President of the Boston School Board and Chairman of the 
Committee on High Schools, Headmaster Augustus D. Small, 
Mr. Thomas A. Mullen and Mr. Edwin P. Seaver, Superintendent of 
Schools. Letters of regret were read from Thomas N. Hart, Mayor of 
Boston, the Rev. lulward PIverett Hale, D.D., and the Rt. Rev. Mgr. 
Denis O'Callaghan, D.D. 

At the opening of the school a very large number of boys and 
girls registered, and the average attendance the first year was nearly 500. 

Augustus D. Small, formerly sub-master of the Lawrence Gram- 
mar School, is headmaster of the high school and the masters are Myron 
W. Richardson, William I. Corthell and Frank V. Thompson. The 
instructors in the various branches are Misses Clara W. Barnes, Agnes 
G. Gilfether, Margaret A. Leah)-, Lillian J. MacRae, Susan L. Mara, 
Annie M. Mulcahy, Marie A. Solano, Elizabeth Tracy, l^ertha Vogel, 
Blanche A. Bemis, Henriette Goldstein, Ruth E. Hubbard, Charlotte 
A. Kendall, Annie G. Merrill and Lillian A. Bragdon. 

Headmaster Augustus D. Small is a man of wide experience in 
educational matters and since assuming charge of this new institution 
he has given entire satisfaction to pupils and parents alike. He was 
born in Bangor, Me., and his early education was that afforded by the 
country schools of his nati\e town and his studying at home outside of 
his working on the farm. 

Mr. Small comes of pioneer Cape Cod stock, his ancestors having 
been among the immigrants that settled Provincetown and Truro, 
according to Rich's history of those towns. 

He entered Colby University, graduating in 1865 at the head of his 
class, and during the two terms of his senior year he was in charge of 
the academy at W^aterville. Graduating, he taught classes in modern 
languages and the higher mathematics in Suffield, Conn., and was then 
for four years high-school principal in Rockland, Me., and then, for six 
months, principal of the high school in Newport, R. I., when he was 
chosen Superintendent of Schools in that city. During the two years 



330 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



that he occupied the latter position, he was also a member of the Rhode 
Island Board of Education. 

For eight years Mr. Small was Superintendent of Schools in Salem, 
Mass., and in 1881 he was appointed sub-master of the Lawrence 
School on B Street, and was teacher of the first division from 1888 to 
1 90 1. In April of the latter year, he was appointed headmaster of the 
new high school. During the summer of that year, Mr. Small spent all 

but two days of the time preparing for 
the opening of the new school, corres- 
ponded or talked with hundreds of the 
prospective pupils, advising them on the 
course of studies, selected and in- 
structed his staff of teachers, and 
made a complete working program for 
the school. 

In his examination for certificate 
for high school master, Mr. Small took 
first rank. He was highly recommended 
for high school work by Hon. Solomon 
Lincoln, overseer of Harvard, Col. 
Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Dr. 
William T. Harris, U. S. commissioner 
of education, and a score of other well 
known educational experts. Although 
his name was omitted, for some reason, 
from the Phi Beta Kappa roll of Colby 
University, when it was made up a few 
years ago, this error has been corrected 
this list of best scholars that the college 




HEADMASTER AUGUSTUS D. SMALL 



and Mr. Small is included in 
has graduated. 

He was for five years secretary and treasurer of the Massachusetts 
Schoolmasters' Club, and for seven years president of the Schumann 
Club, a leading musical organization of Allston. He is well known in 
musical circles, a member of the Handel and Haydn Society, and other 
similar organizations. 

Mr. Small is held in high esteem by the people of South Boston 
and he endeared himself to the boys of the Lawrence School, who re- 
gretted his departure from them, though pleased at the merited 
promotion. 

BuiELow School District. 

The liigelow School was organized in 1849 ^s a school for girls, 
and the schoolhouse erected during that year on the present site of 
the new school building, corner of E and Fourth Streets. It was named 
in honor of Hon. John P. Bigelow, who was mayor of Boston from 1849 
to 1 85 I inclusive. It was dedicated May 2, 1850. The building was a 
brick structure with granite trimmings four stories high and contained 
twelve rooms and a large exhibition hall. Owing to the rapid growth 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



of'the school it became necessary to add two more rooms on the top 
floor, a part of the hall behig taken for this purpose. 

It continued as a school for girls until 1859, when, upon the Hawes 
School being discontinued as a grammar school, the boys were sent to 
the Bigelow, making the latter a mixed school. It continued as a 




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BIGELOW GRAMMAR SCHOOL (BOYS') - 
E and West Fourth Streets. 



-New Building. 



school for both sexes until September i, 1869, when, upon the comple- 
tion of the Shurtleff School, the girls were transferred to this new 
building, making the Bigelow a boys school, which it has been since 
that time. 

In 1 899 the building, being old and inadequate both in size and 
conveniences, was razed for the purpose of erecting the present hand- 
some and modern structure. This building is 
one of the finest in the city, having, besides 
seventeen school rooms, a science room, 
exhibition hall, gymnasium, shower-bath room, 
lunch room, teachers' room, master's room, 
sub-masters' rooms and library. The building 
is constructed of buff brick and Warsaw blue- 
stone trimmings and is fitted w^th all of the 
most modern facilities for heating, lighting 
and ventilating. 

Frederick Crafts, who was the eighth 
master of the Hawes School (from 1839 to 
1850), was placed in charge of the Bigelow 
School at the time of its establishment. He master j. Gardner bassett. 
remained two years and was succeeded by 
Joseph Hale, whose place in 1862 was taken by C. Goodwin Clark, 




332 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



and in 1865 Henry C. Hardon, now of the Shurtleff School became 
master. Thomas H Barnes, now of the Gaston School, succeeded Mr. 
Hardon in 1869 and remained until 1889. In the latter year Frederic 
H. Ripley assumed charge and was succeeded in 1896 by J. Gardner 
Bassett, the present master. 

There are two primary schools in the Bigelow district, the Hawes 
and the Simonds Schools. 

Hawes Primary School. — This is the oldest school in South 
Boston, having been established in 1 811. A detailed account of its 
interesting history is given in a preceding chapter. The first building 
occupied by the school was situated in the vicinity of G and Third 
Streets and was known as the South Boston School. The present 
building was erected in 1823, the site being given to the city by John 
Hawes, a prominent resident of South Boston. According to old 
records it was not known as the Hawes School until 1827. 

The Hawes School originally consisted of two large halls, with 
side rooms for recitations and could accommodate 360 pupils. The 
teachers were a master, sub-master, an usher, a head assistant and five 
assistants, whose combined salaries amounted to $6,369.14. There 
were six Primary Schools included in the Hawes District at that time^ 
two were kept at the rear of the Hawes school house, two in Blanchard's 
Building and two at City Point. The Hawes was discontinued as a 
grammar school in 1859 and has been a primary school since that time. 
The present building is two stories high and contains eight rooms. 

Simonds Proiarv School. 

— Owing to the growth of the 
Hawes School the building be- 
came inadecjuate and accordingly 
it became necessary to secure 
additional room to relieve its 
crowded condition. In order to 
do this it was decided to erect a 
building in the school yard, and 
accordingly the Simonds School 
was built in 1840. It is a brick 
building and contains three 
rooms. The area of the site of 
both schools is 14,972 square 
feet. 

There are twenty-seven 
regular instructors in the district 

— three male and fourteen female instructors for the grammar 
and ten female instructors for the primary schools. Pupils in grammar 
school 792, primary schools 508, total for district 1,300. 

The master and teachers in this district are as follows : 
Bigelow School : — .Master J. Gardner Bassett ; sub-masters John 
F. McGrath and Carroll M. Austin ; first assistants Amelia B. Coe and 




HAWES HALL AND SIMONDS PRIMARY SCHOOLS. 
West Broadway near Dorchester Street 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 333 

Ellen Coe ; assistants, Martha A. Goodrich, Tlleanor M. Jordan, 
Angeline S. Morse, Margaret E. Roche, Sabina G. Sweeney, Caroline 
L. Regan, Mary Nichols, Alice M. Robinson, Malvena Tenney, 
Josephine Crockett, Evelyn M. Howe, Katharine P. Kelley and 
Catharine H. Cook. 

Hawes Hall: — First Assistant Annie S. McKissick; assistants, 
Sarah D. McKissick, Ella F. Fitzgerald, Margarette H. Price, Laura S. 
Russell, Mary L. Howard and Alice E. Thornton. 

Simonds School: — Assistants Julia A. Rourke, Julia G. Leary 
and Florence L. Spear. 

Master J. Gardner Bassett has been connected with the Bigelow 
School nearly 30 years. He was born in Bridgewater, Mass., and 
after attending the schools of his native town he decided to fit himself 
to be a teacher. He therefore took a four years' course in the Bridge- 
water Normal School, and then taught for a short time in North 
Woburn and Fall River. 

January 26, 1874, he was appointed to the Bigelow School as 
usher, as the assistant teachers were then called. In 1883 he became 
first sub-master and in 1 896 head master of the school. It was largely 
through the efforts of Mr. Bassett that the attention of Dr. William J. 
Gallivan, President of the School Board, was called, in 1898, to the 
dangerous condition of the old school, and steps were immediately 
taken for the erection of the magnificent new building now nearing 
completion. Mr. Bassett also organized the Bigelow School Alumni 
Association in June, 1900. 

Gaston School District. 

The Gaston School, established in September 1873, was named in 
honor of William Gaston, mayor of the city at that time and afterward 
governor of Massachusetts. The building is located on P^ast Fifth 
Street, at the corner of L Street and was built in 1873. In April 1887, 
it was seriously injured by fire and when repaired the structure was 
fitted throughout with a modern ventilating system. 

The building is three stories high and contains fourteen rooms and 
a hall, all of which are occupied by grammar classes. 

No reference to the Gaston School would be complete without 
allusion to its first master, Mr. Charles Goodwin Clark. Mr. Clark had 
been master of the Bigelow and Lincoln Schools previous to the 
erection of the Gaston. He was a born teacher and was second to no man 
among the masters of Boston in advancing the interests of education. 

This district contains one primary building. 

Benjamin Pope Primary School. — This building is situated at 
the corner of O and East Fifth Streets, the main entrance being on O 
Street, and was built in 1883. It is two stories high, and contains eight 
rooms, all of which are occupied by primary classes. 

There are thirty regular instructors in the district, one male 
and eighteen female instructors for the grammar, and nine female 
instructors for the primary and two for the kindergarten classes. 



334 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Sewing is taught to all the divisions of the grammar school by special 
teachers. 

Pupils in grammar school, 970, primary schools, 500, kindergarten 
60, total for district 1,530. 

The master and teachers are as follows : 

Gaston School: — -Master Thomas H. Barnes; first assistants 
Juliette R. Hayward and Sarah C. Winn ; assistants Carrie M. King- 
man, Clara A. Sharp, Mary B. Barry, Carrie A. Harlow, Emogene F. 




GASTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL (GIRLS) 
East Fifth, Sixth and L Streets. 



Willett, Ellen R. Wyman, Emma M. Sibley, Josephine A. Powers, J. 
Adelaide Noonan, M. Isabel Harrington, Jennie G. Carmichael, Lila 
Huckins, Agnes R. Leahy, Louise B. Frothingham, Mary S. Laughton 
and Florence E. Bryan. 

Benjamin Pope School : — F'irst assistant Ella R. Johnson ; assist- 
tants Katharine J. McMahon, Carrie W. Haydn, Mary E. Dee, Lelia R. 
Haydn, Lsabella J. Murray, Louise K. Means, Katherine E. Goode and 
Lillias Thomson. 

Kindergarten : — Grace L. Sanger and Bertha E. Richardson. 

Master Thomas H. Barnes was born in Waltham, Mass. His 
father was PVancis, and his mother was Adeline Lawrence of Lexington. 

His boyhood was spent on the farm, attending a school a few 
months in the winter, when he could be spared from the duties of the 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



't 1 r 

JO 5 



farm. Thinking he would hke to be a teacher he prepared at the 
Bridgewater Normal School After short terms of teaching in country 
schools at Abington and Lexington, he became principal of the Hacker 
School at Salem, where he remained until 1865, when he became sub- 
master in the Bigelovv School, South Boston. He was promoted to the 
mastership in 1869, and held that position till 1889, when he was 
transferred to the Gaston School succeeding Mr. C. Goodwin Clark. 

His wife was Miss Louise J. Varney of Salem. They have but one 
living child, William Thomas Barnes, a civil engineer, graduate of the 
Institute of Technology in 1893. 

Mr. Barnes is a Mason, and belongs to several beneficiary orders. 
He is a member of the Broadway LTniversalist Society, and holds offices 
of trust in the denomination at large. 





5ENJAMIN POPE PRIMARY SCHOOL. 
P and Fifth Streets. 



MASTER THOMAS H. BARNES 



He has declined positions of honor in various organizations, prefer- 
ring to give his time and energy to his chosen work. " 

Hundreds of the young men of South Boston, today, look back to 
their schooling in the old Bigelow School and recall with gratitude the 
teachings of Mr. l^arnes, his patience, kindness and constant advice 
which was so profitable to them in after years. In the Gaston School, 
likewise, he has endeared himself to the pupils. 



John A. Andrew School District. 

This school was establislTed in September, 1873, and in its early 
years occupied a part of the Ticknor building. The present building 
was erected in 1877-78 and was dedicated June 5, 1878. It was named 



zz^ 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



in honor of Governor John A. Andrew, but was known simply as the 
^'Andrew Scliool," until 1890, when by a vote of the School Committee 
on February 25th of that year the full name "John A. Andrew" was 

applied to it. It is the onl)- mixed gram- 
mar school in South Boston. It is a 
spacious and well equipped building, 
three stories high and contains fifteen 
school rooms, a teachers' room and a 
hall. Area of site, 24,889 square feet. 
This district contains but one primary 
school building. 




TiCKNOR PRniARV ScHOOL. It is 

situated corner of Dorchester and Middle 
Streets, and was erected in 1848. This 
building was at one time known as the 
Washington School. In April, 1848, 
the town of Dorchester appropriated 
$3,600 for the land and $6,000 for the 
building. A two story brick structure 
was erected and completed in the fall of the same year. It contained 
two primary rooms on the first floor and a large room for grammar 
pupils capable of accommodating 120 on the second floor. In 1865 
the structure was enlarged and )-epaired, resulting in the present 



MASTER JOSHUA M, DILL. 




JOHN A. ANDREW GRAMMAR SCHOOL (BOYS AND GIRLS). 
Dorchester Street. 



building. The present structure is three stories high and contains 
twelve rooms. Area of site, 1 1,486 square feet. 

There are twenty-nine regular instructors in the district, two male 
and fourteen female instructors for the grammar, eleven female instruct- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



33/ 




TICKNOR PRIMARY SCHOOL. 
Dorchester Street. 



ors for the primary and two for the kindergarten classes. Sewing" is 

taught by a special teacher to nine divisions of the grammar school. 

Pupils in grammar school 835, primary and kindergarten schools 625, 

total for district 1,460. 

The master and teachers are as follows : 

John A. Andrew School : — Master Joshua M. Dill ; sub-master 

Edgar L. Raub ; first assistants 
Emma M. Cleary and Sarah E. 
Lyons; assistants Mary L. Fitz- 
gerald, Alice T. Cornish, Bertha 
E. Miller, Olga A. F. Stegelmann, 
Anna M. Edmands, Maude S. Rice, 
Alice E. Dacy, Agnes M. Cochran, 
Annie M. Zbrosky, Mary E. 
Bernhard, Ellen M. Collins and 
Ethel M. Borden. Special instruct- 
ors : — Julia T. Crowley in cookery, 
Louise H. Billings in manual 
M^., ..■,,^_.. _..... — -— '■ training and T^lizabeth S. Kenna in 

^^ ''^ ^'«a»--. _, Ticknor School : — First assist- 

ant Mary A. Jenkins ; assistants 
Sarah S. Ferry, Alice P. Howard, 
Sarah E. Welch, Alice L. Littlefield, Grace E. Holbrook, Annie M. 
Driscoll, Emily F. Hodsdon, Annie C. O'Reilly, Mary C. Gartland, 
Charlotte C. Hamblin. Kindergarten: — Principal Lsabel B. Trainer; 
assistant Effie M. Charnock. 

Master Joshua M. Dill of the John A. Andrew School was born in 
the town of Wellfieet, Cape Cod, and received his early education in 
that town and later taught school there. He then attended the State 
Normal School at Bridgewater from which he graduated in 1870. For 
a short time he occupied a position as teacher in West Bridgewater, 
afterward re-entering she State Normal School where he took the 
advanced course, graduating in July, 1872, and in September, 1872, he 
secured a position as teacher in Natick. In January, 1863, he secured 
a position in the Ouincy School, Boston, where he remained until 
March, i 874, when he was appointed sub-master of the John A. Andrew 
School. He occupied this position until 'December, 1881, when he was 
appointed master of the school. For twenty years Principal Dill was a 
resident of Dorchester, but at present lives in Newton. 

Lawrence School District. 

The Lawrence Grammar School was instituted in 1842 and occu- 
pied the building known at the present time as the Parkman School on 
Broadway adjoining Station 6. It was not known as the Lawrence 
School in those days, however, being called the Mather School, in com- 
memoration of the distinguished divines, father and son, of that name. 



338 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




Some years ago when the building underwent extensive repairs it 
was named the Lawrence School as a grateful testimony to Amos 
Lawrence a prominent Boston merchant who, for several years, had 
manifested much interest in the school and who, from time to time, 
had presented " The Lawrence Association," valuable donations 

of books and similar articles. 
This association was formed 
in 1844 to increase intellect- 
ual and moral culture among 
the pupils. Through the 
donations of Mr. Lawrence 
and the efforts of the people 
themselves a library of some 
twelve hundred volumes was 
secured. 

The present school build- 
ing, situated on B Street 
between West Third and 
Athens Streets, was erected 
in 1856 and when the pupils 
were moved from the old 
building the name Lawrence 
went with them and the old 
building received its former 
name again. 
This new structure contains fourteen rooms and a hall and at one 
time was one of the best school buildings in Boston. It is a four story 
brick building erected upon a part of the former site of Nook Hill, that 
historic spot upon which Washington's troops erected a battery on the 
night of March 16, 1776, which was effective in convincing the British 
soldiers in Boston that it was time to vacate, and they took their depart- 
ure the following day. At that time the hill was about fifty feet higher 
than at present. In commemoration of the historic significance of the 
site, the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the Revolution placed a 
bronze tablet upon the school March 17, 1900, at which time there 
were appropriate exercises by the pupils. 

For several years the Lawrence School was the largest in the city, 
but when the march of progress obliterated a portion of this, a thickly 
settled section of the district, the attendance was greatly diminished. 
Quite recently Master Leonard, having a room entirely vacant, had it 
fitted up as a teachers' room and also had extensive changes made in 
the hall. Various classes have from time to time presented the school 
with busts of eminent men, pictures and similar articles, while with the 
money received through the Gibson fund. Master Leonard has pro- 
vided a stereopticon, and from year to year adds various valuable books 
to the already large library that had its origin in the Lawrence 
Association. 



LAWRENCE GRAMMAR SCHOOL (BOYS'). 
B and West Third Streets. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 






Lawrence School graduates look back to their school clays here 
with jxarticular pleasure, and there is not a more loyal alumni in the city. 
The area of the school site is 14,343 square feet. 
There are three primary schools in this district. 






JOSIAH A. STEARNS. 

Fi'st Master. 



MASTER AMOS M. LEONARD. 



LARKIN DUNTON. 
Second Master. 



Parkm.vx Pkimakv School. — This building was originally known 
as the Mather School and was later called the Lawrence until the 
Lawrence School was erected, after which its original name reverted 
to it again only to be taken away once more in 1898, at which time it 





SAMUEL G HOWE PRIMARY SCHOOL. 
West Fi'tn Street. 



PARKMAN PRIMARY SCHOOL, 
West Broadway. 



was named the Parkman School, to prevent confusing it with the newly 
erected school in Dorchester of the name of Mather. 

It is situated on West Broadway, midway between B and C Streets, 
and was erected in 1842. It is a three story brick building and con- 



340 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



tains eleven school rooms, teachers' room and ante-rooms. Six rooms 
are used for primary, four for grammar and one for kindergarten classes. 
In 1898, it was decided to abandon the Parkman schoolhouse on 
Silver Street for school purposes and the name " Parkman " was accord- 
ingly transferred to the Mather and it has been known as the Parkman 
Primary School ever since. 

Old Park^nian Primary School. — This school is situated on 
Silver Street and was erected in i 848. It is a three story brick building 
containing six rooms, four of which are at present occupied by pupils 
of the Bigelow district. The building is in such poor condition that its 
discontinuance was expected long before now and will certainly result 
when the new Bigelow School is completed. 

Samuel G. Howe Primary School. — Situated on West Fifth 
Street is the Samuel G. Howe School, erected in 1874. It is a brick 
building containing nine rooms, including the teachers' room and 
kindergarten room. It was named in honor of Dr. Samuel G. Howe, 
a distinguished citizen of South Boston and founder of the Perkins 
Institution for the Blind. 

Area of site 12,494 square feet. 

There are thirty-three regular instructors in the district, three male 
and twelve female instructors in the grammar and fourteen female 
instructors in the primary and four in the kindergarten classes. Pupils 
in grammar school 809, primary 829, total for district, 1,638. 

The master and teachers in this district are as follows : 

Lawrence School: — Master Amos M. Leonard: sub-masters 
George S. Houghton and Michael E. Fitzgerald ; assistants Charlotte 
Voight, Isabella F. Crapo, Katherine Haushalter, Mary K. McMann, 
Mary A. Montague, Maud A. Gleason, Mary A. Conroy, Margaret J. 
Schenck, Mary ¥. O'Brien, M. Louise Gillett and Elizabeth J. Andrews; 
drawing Jennie E. Bailey. 

Parkman School: — First assistant Sarah E. Lakeman ; assistants 
Margaret M. Burns, Maud F. Crosby, Lena J. Crosby, Mary E. P^lynn, 
Eva C. Morris, Amelia McKenzie. Kindergarten : Principal, Helen L. 
Holmes ; assistant Ida G. Thurston. 

Samuel G. Howe School : — First assistant Martha S. Damon ; 
assistants Emma Britt, Marie F. Keenan, Martha J. Krey, Mary E. T. 
Shine, Henrietta Nichols and Sabina F. Kelly ; Kindergarten : Princi- 
pal Bertha Arnold ; assistant Anna M. Mullins. 

Miss Margaret A. Moody, for fifty years a teacher in the Mather 
and Lawrence Schools, was one who will long be remembered by old 
Lawrence School boys who were her pupils at some time during that 
period. She began teaching in the old Mather School in 1842. The 
rounding out of those fifty years of faithful service was remembered by 
a large number of her former pupils who, June 26, 1893, presented her 
with a basket of 150 choice roses, among those participating being men 
prominent in various walks of life. Mr. John F. Noonan, a member of 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 34 1 

her first class, and now living, was one of the number. The presentation 
speech was made by Mr. Thomas A. Mullen. Having completed a 
half century of teaching. Miss Moody resigned. She died at her home 
on East Fifth Street in 1895. 

From its beginning and for many years the Lawrence School was 
in charge of Josiah A. Stearns, who is well remembered by many of 
our residents. He guarded the interests of the school until March 
1868, at which time it became a school for boys, Master Stearns and 
the girls being transferred to the new Norcross School. 

His service to the city of Boston was a long and honorable one, 
covering a period of over forty years, beginning as usher in the old 
Adams School, on Mason Street, and continuing as principal in the 
Mather, Lawrence and Norcross Schools, from August 1843 '^intil 
shortly before his death, October 1882. 

Master Larkin Dunton, who succeeded Master Stearns at the 
Lawrence School, was also well known. He had served as principal 
of the high school at Bath, Me., and came to the Lawrence School 
in 1867 as sub-master, becoming master a year later. He was 
appointed headmaster of the Boston Normal School, Sept. i, 1872, 
where he rendered most efficient service for 27 years. 

Master Amos Morse Leonard, of the Lawrence School, and who<^ 
succeeded Master Dunton, is a descendant in the seventh generation of 
James Leonard, who, with his brother Flenry, set up a forge, or 
bloomery, on Two Mile River in Taunton, now Raynham in 1652. 
These were the first permanent iron works in this country. The 
Leonards were previously engaged in the iron industry ni Pont3'pool, 
Wales, and Bilston, Eng., their lineage going back to William the 
Conqueror, through Lord Dacre of England. 

Mr. Leonard was born in Stoughton, being the third of nine chil- 
dren, of Hiram and Rebecca G. Leonard. His father owned a small 
farm and was also engaged in the manufacture of edge tools and shoe 
makers' kit. When not attending school the sons worked on the farm 
and sometimes assisted their father in the shop. 

When 14 years old, a new interest in stud)' was awakened in young 
Leonard by J. Murray Drake, a teacher of great ability, who boarded 
in the family, and his aim in life then was to become a teacher like his 
ideal. As there was no high school in Stoughton, Mr. Leonard began 
the study of Latin, algebra and geometry under Mr. Drake and in 
1859, entered Pierce Academy, Middleboro. He remained here until 
1862 when he entered Tufts College and a year later he was admitted 
to the sophomore class in Harvard University from which he gradu- 
ated in 1866. During one year of his course here he studied Italian 
under James Russell Lowell. He was a member of the Theta Delta 
Chi and Pi Eta Societies. In iS6) he received the degree of A. M. 
from Harvard. 

Between 1 860 and i S66 he tauoht school in Stouohton for several 



342 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

terms and in September 1866 he was engaged to teach Latin and 
mathematics in Mr. David B. Tower's Latin School on Park Street. 
On October 22, of that year he resigned to take charge of a branch of 
the Ouincy School, in the old I'>anklin Building on Washmgton Street, 
Boston. 

He remained until May i, 1868, when he was appointed sub- 
master of the Lawrence School after a competitive examination in 
which sixty participated. September i, 1872, he was appointed 
master, gaining the distinction of being the youngest principal and 
having charge of the largest school in the city at that time. 

In June 1897, at the close of his 25th year as master, he was 
the recipient of a handsome gold watch, a token of friendship and 
esteem from all the teachers, pupils and janitors of the district. 

Master Leonard is a member of the Boston Masters' Association, 
Massachusetts Schoolmasters' Club, vice president of the Roxbury 
Co-operative Bank, of which he has been a director since 1899, and a 
member of the security committee for ten years, and a life member of 
the Bostonian Society. He is much interested in historical studies and 
is fond of good literature and classical music, having been for many 
years a member of the Handel and Haydn Society and the Boylston 
Club. 

Mr. Leonard was married in King's Chapel, December 28, 1898, 
to Miss Helen Augusta, daughter of the late Sylvanus and Caroline 
Wesson Adams. He resides at 47 Bellevue Street, Back Bay District. 

Lincoln School District. 

The Lincoln School on East Broadway was established in 1859 
as a school for both sexes. It was named in honor of Frederick W. 
Lincoln, mayor of Boston 1858-60 and 1863-66. In 1873 the school 
was divided and the girls were sent to the Gaston School which had 
just been completed. Again in 1889 the district was divided and a 
portion of the pupils were sent to the Thomas N. Hart School which 
was finished in that year. The building contains 13 school rooms, a 
teachers' room and a hall. The building is four stories high. Area 
of site, 24,000 square feet. Included in this district are two primary 
schools. 

Mr. Samuel Barrett was the first master of the Lincoln School. 
From 1852 to 1859 he had been master of the Hawes School and on 
the establishment of the Lincoln School he was transferred, taking 
charge June 7, 1859. June 13, 1865 he presented his resignation 
which took effect at the end of the school year. Mr. Barrett had been 
in the service of the city as a school teacher since 1828. 

July II, 1865 Mr. C. Goodwin Clark was transferred from the 
Bigelow School and was annually elected master of the Lincoln School 
until June 25, 1872 when he was transferred to the new Gaston School, 
taking charge the following year. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



i4: 



July 8, 1873 Mr. Alonzo G. Ham was elected master, remaining 
until March 26, 1889 when he was transferred to the Thomas N. 
Hart School, his mastership there dating from Dec. 2, 1889. 

March 25, 1890 Mr. Maurice P. White was elected master of the 
Lincoln School and 
has since been in 
charge. 

TucKERMAN Pri- 
mary School. — This 
building on East 
¥ o u r t h Street be- 
t w e e n L and M 
Streets, was c o n - 
.structed in 1850, is 
three stories high and 
contains six rooms. 
It was named in honor 
of Rev. Joseph Tuck- 
erman, a member of 
the Primary School 
Committee in 1827- 
28. It was much 
smaller originally, 
but was enlarged to 
its present size in 
1865. It was in- 
cluded in the Gaston 
District until 1 890 
and in Februar)' of 
that year was transferred 
1 1,655 sc^uare feet. 




LINCOLN GRAMMAR SCHOOL (.BOYS'). 
East Broadway. 



to the Lincoln District. Area of site, 

ChOATE BUKNIIAM PKIMAKV ScHOOL. 

This is one of the newest buildings in 
South Boston having been erected in 1 894. 
It is situated on p:ast Third Street, be- 
rween H and I Streets, and contains eight 
tooms. It is three stories high, constructed 
of yellow brick, heated by steam and fitted 
with all modern appliances. It was named 
in honor of Choate Burnham, a prominent 
resident of South Boston, who was a mem- 
ber ot the School Committee during 1891 
and part of 1892. Area of site, 17,136 
square feet. 

There are thirty-one regular instructors 
in the district : — Three male and twelve 
female instructors for the grammar and 
fourteen female instructors for the primary and two for the kindergarten 




MASTER MAURICE P WHITE. 



!44 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



schools. Pupils in grammar school 713, primary 715, kindergarten 56, 
total for district 1484. 




TUCKERMAN PRIMARY SCHOOL. 
East Fourth Street. 



CHOATE BURNHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL 
East Third Street 



The master and teachers are as follows : 

Lincoln School : — Master Maurice P. White ; sub-masters William 
E. Perry and Charles N. Bentley ; first assistant Martha V. Wright ; 
assistants Josephine A. Simonton, Hattie E. Sargeant, Louise A. 
Pieper, P^lorence O. Bean, Vodisa J. Comey, Ellen A. McMahon, 
Hannah L. Manson, Jennie M. Pray, Agnes G. Nash, Gertrude L. 
Wright and Prances G. Keyes. 

Tuckerman School : — P'irst assistant Elizabeth M. P2aston ; assist- 
ants Ellen V. Courtney, Mary A. Crosby, PZlla M. Kenniff, Mary F. 
Lindsay, Anna K. Somes and Elizabeth G. Burke. 

Choate Burnham School : — Plrst assistant Laura L. Newhall ; 
assistants Kate A. Coolidge, P_^leanor V. P21ton, Helen M. Canning, 
Daisy K. Welch, Helen A. P2mery and Rachael W. Washburn. Kinder- 
garten : — Principal Annie K. Pousland, assistant P^liza L. Osgood. 

Master Maurice P. White was born in South Hadley, Mass. His 
father was Stephen White, a descendant of William White of the May- 
flower, and his mother was Lydia Bradstreet, a descendant of Gov. 
Bradstreet. Until fourteen years of age he worked on a farm and at- 
tended the district school. Then, on the death of his father, he came 
to Boston. Fitting for college at Salem he graduated from Amherst 
College and began teaching in an academy in New Hampshire, then 
taught in Washington, U. C. for six years and came to Boston as sub- 
master of the Lowell School in 1883. He became master of the 
Lincoln School in 1889. 

In 1888 Mr. White married Helene Schmimelfennig, daughter of 
Gen. Schmimelfennig of Pennsylvania. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



345 



Master White is an earnest worker, thorough in the management 
of the school and is respected by all his pupils. 

NoRCRoss School District. 

This school was established in the building it now occupies on D 
Street corner of West Fifth Street, having been built in 1867-68 and 
dedicated March loth of the latter year. It was named in honor of 
Otis Norcross, mayor of Boston during 1867, who bequeathed a fund of 
;^i,ooo, the income to be expended by the master for the benefit of the 
school library. The building is four stories high and contains fourteen 
rooms and a hall. Area of site, 12,075 square feet. There are two 
primary buildings in the district. 

On the establishment of the Norcross School District, the girls, 
taken from the Lawrence School, occupied the new building, and their 
master, Josiah A. Stearns, took charge of the new school, being the 
first master thereof. He resigned in 1882, completely broken in health, 
and he lived but a few months afterward. He was succeeded by the 




MASTER FRED O. ELLIS. 



NORCROSS GRAMMAR SCHOOL (GIRLS) 
D end West Fifth Streets 



present master, Frederick O. Fllis, who was transferred from the 
Bigelow School where he had been sub-master. 

Drake PRniAKV School. — This building occupies a site on C 
Street at the corner of West Third Street and was built in 1869. It 
is three stories high and contains six rooms, five of which are occupied 
by primary classes and one by a school of cookery, known as Boston 
School Kitchen No. 2. Classes from the \arious other schools for sfirls 



S46 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




in South Boston have regular days for meeting here where they are 
taught cooking by a special instructor. The building was named in 
honor of Henry A. Drake, a well known resident of South Boston, who 
served on the School Committee from 1854 to 1858 inclusive, and 
from 1864 to 1868 inclusive. Area of site, 10,260 square feet. 

CvRUS Alger Primary School. — In 1881 this building was 

erected on West Seventh 
Street. It is two stories 
high and contains eight 
rooms, all of which are 
occupied. It was named 
in honorof Cyrus Alger, 
the celebrated iron fa 
under and a well known 
resident of South Boston. 
Area of site, 16,560 
square feet. 

There are twenty-five 
regular instructors in the 
district : — One male and 
twelve female instructors 
for the grammar, and ten 
female instructors for 
the primary and two for 
the kindergarten classes. Sewing is taught by two special teachers 
to every division of the grammar school. Pupils in grammar school 
660, primary schools 588, total for district 1,248. 
The master and teachers are as follows : 
Norcross School : — Master Fred 
O. Ellis ; first assistants M. Eliz- 
abeth Lewis and Mary R. Roberts ; 
assistants P2mma L. ICaton, Mary Ji. 
Downing, Maria L. Nelson, lunma 
F. Crane, Juliette Smith, M. 
Josephine Leary, P21sie M, Paul, 
Agnes J. Hallahan, Cherrie W. St. 
Clair and I£llen T. Noon an. 

Drake School : — First assistant 
Eleanor J. Cashman ; assistants 
Fannie W. Hussey, Abbie C. Nick- 
erson and Kate P^. Pltzgerald. 

Cyrus Alger School : — First assist- 
ant Ann E. Newell ; assistant, Han- 
nah L. McGlinchey, Harriet L. Rayne, Jennie A. Mullaly, Alic^ 
W. Baker and Josephine J. Mahoney. Kindergarten : — Principal Louis^ 
M. Davis ; assistant Ruth Perry. 



CYRUS ALGER PRIMARY SCHOOL 
West Seventh Stieef. 




DRAKE PRIMARY SCHOOL. 
C rnd Thi'd Streets. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



147 



Master Fred O. Ellis began his career as a teacher in Swampscott 
where he taught in both high and grammar grades. He was thus 
engaged at the breaking out of the Civil War and answered the coun- 
try's call in 1862, going to the front with seven of his former pupils. 
When his term of enlistment had expired he returned to Swampscott 
where he again took up his position at teaching, the school committee 
having held his position open. In h'ebruary 1865, Governor John A. 
Andrew commissioned him a captain in the state militia. Two years 
later he came to Boston to accept the position of sub-master in the 
Bigelovv School, which position he filled with ability until 1882 when 
his excellent service secured for him the position of principal in the 
Norcross School which he has retained since that time. 



Shuktleff School Di.strict. 

This school was established in 1859 ^^^cl, as its membership grew, 
quarters were secured for the pupils in various places, among them 

being the vestr)- of the Pres- 
- . byterian church on Dorches- 

ter Street, the Bigelow Hall, 
a hired room on Broadway, 
and rooms in the Ticknor 
School in Washington Village. 
As time advanced the 
number of pupils rapidly in- 
creased and as the Bigelow 
School was overcrowded a 
new school building became 
an urgent necessity. Ac- 
cordingly the present struc- 
ture was erected and, on its 
completion in 1869, the vari- 
ous places formerly used for 
school purposes were deserted 
for the new building. It was 
then decided to relieve the 
Bigelow School and the girls 
were taken from there and in- 
stalled in theShurtleff School. 
The present building was erected on the site of what was formerly the 
Boston Cemetery, the work of construction continuing during 1868-69, 
and the building dedicated on Nov. 23 of the latter year. It was 
named in honor or Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, mayor of Boston 1868-70. 
It is a brick building with granite trimmings three stories high, con- 
taining fourteen school rooms and a hall, six rooms on each of the first 
two floors and two school rooms, a library and hall on the top floor. 

Shortly before the dedication of the building Mayor Shurtleff pre- 





SHURTLEFF GRAMMAR SCHOOL (GIRLS). 
Dorchester Street. 



348 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



sented the school with a handsome clock which was placed in the hall 
and since that time the school has received various gifts from graduates 
and others, among them being busts of Mary A. Livermore and Lucy 
Stone, all of which have been placed in the school hall. Area of site, 
40,553 square feet. 

There is but one primary building in this district. 
Clinch Fkimarv School. — This structure is directly in the rear 

of the Shurtleff School, occupy- 
ing a part of the same lot of 
land, which includes the corner 
of F and West Seventh Streets, 
the entrance being on F Street. 
This building was erected in 
1 87 1. It is a brick struc- 
ture three stories high and 
contains six rooms. It was 
named in honor of the Rev. 
Joseph H. Clinch, an I^pisco- 
pal clergyman, well known 
in South Boston, and who 
served on the old Primary 
School Committee, 1853-54 
and who composed the ode at 
the dedication of the Shurtleff 
building. Area of site, 13,492 
sfiuarp fppt 

CLINCH PRIMARY SCHOOL. ov.jLicvi v„ xv^v^l. 

F Street. Thcrc arc twenty-three in- 

structors in the district : — One male and thirteen female instructors for 
the grammar, and seven female instructors for the primary and two for 
the kindergarten classes. Sewing is taught 
by a special teacher to eleven divisions of 
the grammar school. The system of dress 
cutting by the " Magic Scale " was begun 
in the first class in the fall of 1887. PujmIs 
in grammar school about 600, primary' 
school 366, total for district q66. 

The master and teachers are as follows : 

Shurtleff School : — Master Henry C. 
Harden ; first assistants Anna M. Penni- 
man and Itllen K. Morse; assistants Kath- 
arine A. Dwyer, Jane M. Bullard, Winni- 
fred C. Folan, Mary M. Clapp, Marion 
W. Rundlett, Anna L. Scallan, Ella G. 
Fitzgerald, Marguerite S. Clapp, Margaret 

T -NT 1 TX/r ^ T\/r T-i- 1 XT- ■> • MASTER HENRY C. HARDON. 

L. Nolan, Margaret M. Rmg and Katherme 
S. Nash. 

Clinch School : — Plrst assistant Alice G. Dolbeare ; assistants 





HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 349 

Mary E. Morse, Alice C. Ryan, Lillian M. Hall. Florence G. Frazer, 
Sarah T. Driscoll and Mary Taylor. Kindergarten : — Princijml 
Frances S. Tufts ; assistant Florence H. Murray. 

Master Henry C. Harden has the distinction of being principal of 
this district since the erection of the school. He was born in Man.s- 
field, Mass., and first attended school there. His parents moved to 
Virginia, taking him with them when he was still very young, and here 
he attended a private school and later Martinsburg Academy, conclud- 
ing his studies at Berkeley Seminary. He came to Massachusetts 
during early manhood and engaged in mercantile pursuits. His first 
position as a teacher was as an usher in the old Hawes School. His 
next position was that of sub-master of the Mather School which 
he held until his appointment as principal of the Shurtleff School in 
1865. 

Thomas N. Hart School District. 

This district was established to relieve the Lincoln Grammar 
School district, and the present building on East Fifth Street, corner 
of H Street, was erected in 1888-89 and was occupied December 4 of 
the latter year. It contains thirteen school-rooms, a teachers' room, 
master's room, reception room and a hall. One room in the building 
is used as a kindergarten. The building was named in honor of 
Thomas N. Hart, mayor of Boston during 1889 and 1890, and again in 
1900 and 1901. Shortly after its dedication Mayor Hart presented 
the school with a handsome marble clock which decorates the hall. 
This building is three stories high and, being one of the most recent in 
South Boston, is fitted with all modern improvements. It occupies a 
part of the site formerly occupied by a section of the historic Dorchester 
Heights. A part of the elevation was removed in order to level the 
ground for school purposes. There are two primary schools in this 
district, the Capen and the Benjamin Dean. 

Alonzo G. Ham, loved and respected by his pupils of the Lincoln 
School, was appointed master of the new Thomas N. Hart School on 
its establishment in 1889. From the Lincoln School to the new dis- 
trict also went the sub-master, John F. Dwight, and seven of the 
teachers. On the death of Mr. Ham in 1895, Sub-Master Dwight was 
advanced to the responsible position which he has so satisfactorily 
filled ever since, 

Capen Primary School. — This building was erected in 1871 
on East Sixth Street, corner of I Street. It is three stories high and 
contains six rooms and originally belonged to the Lincoln District. It 
was named in honor of an esteemed clergyman. Rev. Lemuel Capen, 
who lived and died in its immediate neighborhood, and who served 
on the old Primary School Committee, 1823-1831 and 1842-43. Area 
of site, 12,354 square feet. 

Benjamin Dean Primary School. — This is a new building, 



350 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



two Stories high, erected in iSqcS, on H Street, corner of I^^ast Sixth 

Street, directly in the rear of the Thomas N. Hart School. It contains 

eight rooms and was named in honor of the late Benjamin Dean, an 

esteemed resident 
of South l^oston 
who at one time 
served as a con- 
gressman from the 
district. Area of 
site, 1 1,977 square 
feet. 

There are twen- 
ty-eight regular in- 
structors in the 
district, two male 
and eleven female 
in the grammar, 
and eleven female 
instructors in the 
primary and four 
in the kindergarten 
schools. Pupils in 
grammar school 
4 5 7, primary 
schools 790, total 
for district 1,247. 
The master and teachers are as follows : 
Thomas N. Hart School: — Master John F. Dwight ; sub-master 

John D. Philbrick ; first assistant Margaret 

J. Stewart ; assistants Jennie F. McKissick, 

Mary B. Powers, P3mma J. Channell, P'an- 

nie G. Patten, Anastasia G. Hyde, Bertha 

Pierce, P^lorence Harlow, Carrie L. Pres- 

cott, Maude C. Tinkham and Mary E. 

Donnelly. Primary classes, M. lidna Cher- 

rington and Mary F. Keyes. 

Capen School : — P'irst assistant Mary K. 

Powell ; assistants Laura J. Gerry, Mary P2. 

Perkins, Ella M. Warner, Mary E. P^arrell 

and S. Louella Sweeney. 

Benjamin Dean School : — Assistants 

Evelyn M. Condon, Lura M. Power and 

Anna T. Mahan. Kindergarten : — Prin- 
cipal Mary I. Hamilton ; assistants Alice 

J. Sughrue, M. Isabel Wigley and Gertrude C. L. Vasque. 

Master John F. Dwight was born in Plymouth, Mass., Aug. 20, 




THOMAS N. HART SCHOOL (BOYS). 
East Fifth, SiKth and H Streets. 




MASTER JOHN F. DWIGHT. 



IlISTORV OF SOUTH liOSTON. 



J)5 



1844, his parents being Rev. John and Sally Ann (Hastings) Dwight. 
He fitted for college at Phillips-Exeter Academy and took his degree 
at Harvard University in 1870. 

From 1870 to 1876 he was principal of the Rahvvay Institute and 
was master of the Camming School in Woburn from 1876 to 1877. In 
the latter year he was appointed sub-master of the Lincoln School, 
South Boston, where he remained until 1889 when he was appointed 




CAPEN PRIMARY SCHOOL 
East Sixth and I Streets. 



BENJAMIN DEAN PRIMARY SCHOOL. 
H and East Sixth Streets. 



to a similar position in the new Thomas N. Hart School, remaining in 
that position until 1895 when he was made master. 

Mr. Dwight lives at Weymouth, Mass. His wife was Miss Nellie 
L. Woodruff of Rahway, N. J. and of four children, two are living, 
Edith Marion, 18 years of age, and John F. Dwight, Jr., 16 years of 
age. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. 

As sub-master of the Lincoln School, then in a similar po.sition in 
the Thomas N. Hart School, and especially as master of the latter 
institution, Mr. Dwight has won for himself the respect and esteem of 
his pupils. Kind and patient, yet he is a thorough disciplinarian and 
his pupils ever remember him with feelings of gratitude and 
admiration. 

SS. Peter and Paul's Parociual School. 

This school, located on W'est Broadway, directly opposite SS. 
Peter and Paul's Church, near A Street, was established in i860 
shortly after the fire that destroyed the old church and when work had 
commenced on the present house of worship. The building is of brick, 
three stories high, and has seventeen rooms, having been enlarged 



;52 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



during the pastorate of Rev. William A. Blenkin.sop. The school is in 
charge of the Sisters of Notre Dame. In September, 1895, Rt. Rev. 




SS. PETER & PAULS PAROCHIAL SCHOOL. 

Broadway. 

Bishop Brady established a school for boys and there are now in 
attendance 630 girls and 380 bo}s. The area of the site is 14,142 
square feet. 

St. Augustine's Parochial School. 

Probably one of the largest and best parochial schools in Boston 
is that connected with St. Augustine's Church. It is situated at the 
corner of Baxter and E Streets. For many years Rt. Rev. Monsignor 
O'Callaghan, D.D. P. R., had this school in view, but did not under- 
take its construction until his church was entirely paid for. In 1892 
he bought the site on \i Street, now occupied by the schoolhouse, the 
same site which he had many years before rejected as a site for his 
church. The work of construction was commenced and the school 
established and opened for the first time in September 1896. 

The building is four stories high, constructed of brick with brown- 
stone trimmings and contains sixteen class rooms and a large hall 
capable of seating 1,400 persons. The present school consists of 996 
pupils, boys and girls, who are taught by twenty-six Sisters of Notre 
Dame who live in the convent on the opposite corner of Baxter and E 
Streets. Sister Albertina is the principal of the school. The area of 
the site is 16,651 square feet. 

The attendance at the St. Augustine's School has increased so 
rapidly that during the past year one hundred pupils have occupied 
two rooms in the hall on F Street, adjoining the rectory. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



353 




ST. AGNES PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, 
I and East Fifth Streets. 



St. Agnes Parochial School. 
One of the first acts of Rev. Michael F. Higgins, after assuming 

the pastorate of the Gate of Heaven Church in 1873, was the opening 

of a parochial school. This was on the first floor of the church, corner 

of I Street, and the Sisters of Notre Dame, from SS. Peter and Paul's 

School were the teachers. In 1879 the 
brick building corner of I and East 
Fifth Streets was erected, named 
St. Agnes School, and the Sisters 
of St. Joseph came in September, 
1879. The building has since been 
used as a convent and school. 
From its very establishment the at- 
tendance has been large, and the ex- 
cellence of the course of study there 
may be judged by the fact that during 
the present year all the graduates of 
the school who took the examination 
for admission to the new high school 
on Thomas Park passed with very high 
marks, such as to receive special 
mention from the headmaster and 

members of the School Board. Kindergarten, primary and grammar 

grades are included here. There are fifteen instructors and the 

number of pupils is 608. 

German Primary School. 
At the corner of F and West Sixth Streets is a neat looking two 

story school building, which is known as the German School. It is a 

branch of the larger school 

on Shavvmut Avenue, con- 
nected with the Church of 

the Holy Trinity (German) 

and in it are two primary 

classes composed of the chil- 
dren of German residents of 

South Boston. When they 

complete their primary course 

here they may be admitted 

to the large school on Shaw- 

mut Avenue. The school is 

taught by two Sisters of 

Notre Dame. The school 

was established in 1 898 and 

has an attendance of more than 100 pupils. 

South Boston School 
This splendid institution is maintained 
John Hawes, whose money has already done so much for the improve- 




AUGUSTINE'S 
E Street 



OF Art. 
throu""h 



the generosity of 



354 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



ment of South l^oston. The school is now located in the old Hawes 
Church, at the junction of East Fourth and Kmerson Streets, and 





GERMAN PRIMARY SCHOOL, 
bT AUGUSTINE S SCHOOL.— E Street. ^ ^"^ ^^'^ ^"'^^ Streets, 

provides mstruction in mechanical and freehand drawing, draughting, 

modelling in clay, yacht designing, 
stenography and several other 
equally interesting and important 
studies. The corps of teachers is 
the hest obtainable, the sessions are 
evenings during the winter months 
and there are classes in manual 
training for young people on certain 
afternoons. 

The John Hawes fund has been 
devoted to religion and education. 
In 1870 there was an evening school 
for women and girls started in the 
ward room corner of Dorchester 
and Fourth Streets. In 1872 the 
Walter Smith Art School was 
established in the Savings Bank 
Building, casts were bought and the 
school has continued ever since. 
In 1877 it was removed to the 
Bird School on East Fourth Street, 
and, on the vacating of the Hawes 
Church in i 892 and the congregation 

moving to the present house of worship on East Broadway, the Art 

School moved to its present quarters. 

The school affords an excellent opportunity for the people of 

South Boston to follow many of the studies and arts that are not taught 

in the public schools of the city. 




SOUTH BOSTON ART SCHOOL, 
Old Hawes Church, East Fourth and Emerson Sts 



CHAPTER IX. 

Churches and Clekgv. — Cemeteries. 

Phillips Congregational Church, Rev. C. A. Dinsmore — Phillips Chapel, Rev. Percy IT. 
Epler — South Baptist Church, Rev. F. M. Gardner — St. Augustine's Chapel — .S.S 
Peter and Paul's Church, Rt. Rev. John J. Brady — St. Augustine's Church and St. 
Monica's Chapel, Rt. Rev. L). O'Callaghan — Cate of Heaven Church and St. 
Eulalia's Chapel, Rev. R. J. Johnson — St. Vincent's Church, Rev. George J. I'atter- 
son — Church of Our Lady of the Rosiry — Church of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 
Rev. John Chmielinski — IJthuanian Church, Rev. Joseph A. Gricnis — Church of 
the Redeemer, Rev. A. B. Shields — St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Rev. William 
H. Dewart — Grace Episcopal Church, Rev. W. .S. W. Raymond — St. John's M. E. 
Church, Rev. George Skene — City Point 1\L E. Church, Rev. W. A. Mayo — 
Dorcester Street M. E. Church, Rev. E. Higgins — Havves Unitarian Church, 
Rev. James Huxtable — Church of our Father (Universalist), Rev. A. J. Cardall 

— Fourth Presbyterian Church, Rev. J. Kirkpatrick. .St. Augustine's Cemetery 

— Hawes and Union Cemeteries. 

Rl^LIGIOUS toleration has been a marked feature of the district 
ahnost since its earhest history and as a result it is stated on 
reliable authority that there are now more churches situated 
within the bounds of South Boston than in any place in New England 
of the same territorial area. 

This sacred right accorded to all by the Constitution of the United 
States has been strictly observed and upheld and today we have in our 
district some twenty churches, rejDresenting the Roman Catholic, 
Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist, Unitarian, Universalist, Congregational 
and Presbyterian denominations. 

Phillips C()N(;kegational Church — JVc^st Broathvay. 

Like all the early churches in this district, this one has an interest- 
ing history. Commencing with but thirteen members, December lO, 
1823, the present society took form under the name of the " P2vangeli- 
calCongregational Church of South Boston " and was organized through 
the efforts of Rev. Mr. Hawes of Glastonbury, Conn. 

In the early days the members worshipped in Harris hall on 
West Eourth Street near C Street, this place being used until March 
9, 1825, when a small brick structure was erected at the corner of 
West Broadway and A Street, costing $8,936, the money being ob- 
tained through tHe kind aid of friends in other churches, its title being 
held by members of other congregations in the city as trustees for the 
church. 

It was incorporated as Phillips Church Society, March 25, 1834, 
and about a year later it was voted that the name Phillips Church" 



>56 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



be adopted, and the edifice was then deeded to the society. The church 
adopted this name owing to the fact that it was anticipated that the 

street on which it fronted 
would be called Phillips 



Street after Mayor Phillips, 
as it was the intention at 
that time to name the cross 
streets of this district after 
the past mayors of Boston. 
This was not done, however, 
and the streets were named 
alphabetically as today. 

A continuous and healthy 
growth brought about the 
erection of a new and more 
commodious church in 1836 
on the site of the old one 
costing $12,000. In this 
structure the congregation 
worshipped until 1858, when 
the structure was sold and 
a new building erected on 
the present site of the 
church. The vestry of this 
new edifice was completed 
and in readiness for use in 
November 1858 and the 
entire house of worship was 

185Q, at a cost of $36,132. 

to organize other congregations 
form- 




PHILLIPS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 
West Broadway 



finished and dedicated September 21 
In 1845 and 1857 members left 
and in the latter year the two united, 
ing the K Street Congregational Church. 
Here they worshipped for many years as a 
separate body, until they returned to the 
Phillips Church, shortly before the dedication 
of the present edifice in 1879. The E Street 
Church has since been abandoned as a place 
of worship. 

Nothing of particular interest occurred 
until 1879, when the edifice underwent a 
thorough renovation and many extensive alter- 
ations and improvements were made which 
necessitated a re-dedication Dec. 10 of that 
year. 

The list of rectors and assistant rectors 
includes the following : Prince Hawes, April 
28, 1824, to April 18, 1827 ; Joy H. Fairchild, 
Nov. 22, 1827, to June 2, 1842; Wilham W 




REV C, A. DINSMORE. 



Patton, Jan. 18, 1843, 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



357 



to Dec. 30, 1845; John W. Alvord, Nov. 4, 1846, to March 24, 
1852 ; Charles S. Porter, Feb. 22, 1854, to July 8, 1857 ; Edmund 
K. Alden, Sept. 21, 1859, to Nov. 6, 1876; Robert R. Meredith, 
Nov. 13, 1878, to Oct. 16, 1883; Frank E. Clark, Oct. 16, 1883, 
to Oct. 17, 1887; W. H. G. Temple, Nov. i, 1888, to June 19, 
1895 ; C. A. Dinsmore, March i i, 1896, and to the present time. 

The assistant pastors have been E. N. Hardy, Nov. 6, 1 890 to 
Nov. 24, 1893; George H. Flint, Jan, 12, 1894 to Oct. 24, 1895; 
Percy H. Epler, Jan. 21, 1896, and to the present time. 

Rev. Charles Allen Dinsmore, the 
present pastor, was born in New York 
City August 4, i860 and is a son of L. H. 
Dinsmore M. D., and Mary S. (Ladd) 
Dinsmore. 

Arter finishing the studies of the 
grammar school he attended the Wood- 
stock High School, Vt., and later Dart- 
mouth College from which he received his 
degree. He then entered the Kentucky 
University and later the Yale Divinity 
School, and, concluding his studies here, he 
took a post graduate course at Yale Uni- 
versity. 

His first pastorate was the Congrega- 
tional Church at Whitneyville and later the 
Congregational Church at Willimantic, 
Conn. He was at the latter place when 
called to take charge of the Phillips Congre- 
gational Church, January i, 1896, and he has been pastor since that 
time. Rev. Mr. Dinsmore is married, his wife having been Miss Annie 
Laurie Beattie. They have a daughter. Miss Rachel Dinsmore, six 
years old, and they reside at 81 1 PZast Broadway. 

Rev. Percy H. Epler assistant rector of Phillips Congregational 
Church, was born in Illinois, July, 1872, being a son of Cyrus Epler, 
judge of the Circuit Court in that state. 

He received his early education in the public schools and later 
entered a preparatory school. Finishing his studies there, he entered 
the Illinois College completing the course in 1 892 and then entered 
Yale College where he remained during 1892-93. 

He next took the course in the Yale Divinity School finishing 
in 1896 and was shortly afterward called to become assistant 
rector of Phillips Church. 




PHILLIPS CHAPEL. 
East Seventh Street. 



Phillips Congregational Chapel, East ScvoitJi Street. — This 
chapel, which is a branch of Phillips Congregational Church, was 
organized in 1874, for the purpose of caring for the sj^iritual needs of 
the members of the church in this section of South Boston. 



358 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

A few years after its organization, land was purchased and the 
present wooden structure was erected, and services have been held 
there since that time. Miss Clark, the present missionary, has per- 
excellent work in the parish for the past 25 years. Rev. Percy H. 
Epler, assistant rector of the home church, superintends the work at 
the chapel and officiates at the services. 

South Baptist Church — East Fourth Street. 

A series of prayer meetings organized by Deacon Jeremiah 
Flynn, during the year 1825, led to the gathering together of enough 
of the supporters of this denomination to organize the South Baptist 
Society. By degrees the congregation developed and two years later 
weekly religious services were being held. 

The first step taken regarding a house of worship was in 1828 
when a house at the southwest corner of West Broadway and C 
Street, formerly occupied by the Methodists, was secured and services 
were held there until April, 1830, the first permanent rector being 
Rev. Duncan Dunbar. In this short time the society had 
developed to such an extent that it became necessary to obtain 
more spacious headquarters and with this object in mind a committee 
was appointed early in 1830. 

The committee, deciding to build a house of worship, pur- 
chased the land directly opposite the little chapel then occupied by 
the society and work began on the new structure which was 
of wood, with a frontage of 57 feet on Broadway and a depth of 72 
feet on C Street. It contained 104 pews, giving it a large seating 
capacity for that time. 

In erecting this structure the society incurred a considerable 
debt which was not wholly eliminated until the early sixties. The 
frame of the building was that of the First Baptist Church of 
Charlestown, and later of the North I^nd. The building, now changed 
in appearance, the lower part being devoted to store purposes, still 
stands at West Broadway and C Street. 

A division occurred in the church in 1838 over the ejection from 
the pulpit of the Rev. William Jackson of Halifax. The breach was 
soon healed, however, and he remained until Dec. i, 1838, at which 
time he was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Driver. In the mean- 
time a member of the congregation had taken up the study of 
theology and, when completed, being a particular favorite with the 
members, he was called to the pastorate of the church. This was 
Rev. Charles Neal. 

In May 1863 Rev. Granville S. Abbott, a graduate of the New- 
ton Theological Institute, assumed the pastorate. Excellent growth 
had been made up to this time and it was decided to sell the old 
church property and erect a more substantial structure of brick, 
the site for the new building being the southeast corner of Broadway 
and F Street. 



niSTOKV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Deacon Sanuiel Hill, who resided at City Toint, had decided, a 
short time previous to this, to start a church nearer his home, and, 
with about twenty other members, formed the nucleus to that which 

later developed into 
- '' ' ' ' the I*"ourth Street 

Baptist Church. This 
new body grew rap- 
idly and soon a large 
wooden structure was 
erected at the north- 
east corner of L and 
East Fourth Streets, 
as a house of worship. 

In the meantime, 
Rev. Mr. Abbott and 
his parishioners had 
made good progress 
with their new build- 
ing, the corner stone 
of which was laid 
July 31, _ 1867,^ the 
vestry being finished 
and occupied March 
I, 1868, and the 
dedication occurring 
Nov. 5, of the same 
year. The new build- 
ing had a seating capacity of 500 and contained, besides the main 
auditorium, vestry and Sunday school rooms, the entire structure 
being well fitted out. A tall spire, over the 
main entrance, reaching 1 80 feet into the 
air, contained a large bell which summoned the 
members to worship. The building and land 
cost $60,000. Rev. Mr. Abbott was the 
first pastor of the new church going to it 
with his congregation when it was in readiness 
for service. 

Here the congregation worshipped up to 
the spring of 1 899, when steps were taken 
to effect a consolidation between this and 
the Fourth Street Baptist Society, which was 
successful, the South Baptist Society giving 
up its place of worship to go to the home of 
the Fourth Street Baptist Society, while the 
consolidated bodies were to be known, as be- 
fore, as the South Baptist Society. 

The consolidated churches made many alterations and improve- 
ments in the building at East Fourth and L Streets, among them being 




SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH. 
L and East Fourth Streets. 




Rev. FREDERICK M. GARDNER. 



360 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

the erection of a steeple over the entrance to the church, in whicli the 
bell formerly used in the brick structure on Broadway hangs today and 
calls the congregation to worship. Rev. A. T. Sowerby was pastor 
of the South Baptist Church for several years and when he accepted 
a call to New York, just previous to the consolidation of the two so- 
cieties, the South Baptist congregation came under Rev. Frederick M. 
Gardner, who then had charge of the Fourth Street Baptist Church, 
therefore becoming pastor of the united societies, and he is still in 
charge of the fiock. 

Rev. Frederick M. Gardner was born in Salem, March 24, 
1858. He graduated from Colby University in 1881 and received 
his degree at the Newton Theological Institute, in 1884. While a 
student he preached at the First Church at VVinthrop, and was ordained 
there in May, 1883. The following year he was made rector of the 
Second Baptist Church, of Lawrence, and remained there seven years 
leaving there to succeed Rev. Dr. Alden of the Central Square Baptist 
Church, Fast Boston. Here he remained until May, 1899, when he 
accepted his present pastorate. 

The pastors of the South Baptist Church have been as follows : 
Rev. lliomas Driver, April 16, 1829 to April i, 1830; Rev. Rollin H. 
Neale, Sept. 15, 1833 to March 19, 1834; Rev. Timothy R. Cressey, 
May 25, 1834 to June 22, 1835 ; Rev. Thomas Driver, Dec. 1838 to 
April 12, 1843 ; Rev. Duncan Dunbar, Nov. 1843 to Nov. 24, 1845 ; 
Rev. George W. Bosworth, March 29, 1846 to Jan. 29, 1855 ; Rev. 
Joseph A. Goodhue, Nov. 22, 1855 to June 2"] , 1857 ; Rev. John Dun- 
can, Jan. I, 1858 to June i, 1863 ; Rev. Granville S. Abbott, Sept. 4, 
1864 to Nov. I, 1869; l^e"^- James S. Dickerson, June 5, 1873 to Jan. 
31, 1875 ; Rev. Henry A. Cordo, Sept. 5, 1875 to June 29, 1878 ; Rev. 
John H. Barrows, Nov. 12, 1878 to Oct. 26, 1879; Rev. Thomas D. 
Anderson, April 4, 1880 to Dec. 19, 1883 J Rev. David B. Jutten, Feb. 
10, 1884 to April 15, 1893 ; Rev. Albert T. Sowerby, Sept. i, 1894 to 
Dec. 31, 1898 ; Rev. Frederick M. Gardner, May 7, 1899 to the present 
time. 

The pastors of the former Fourth Street Bai:)tist Church were as 
follows; Rev. Samuel Davies, Jan. i, 1858 to Dec. 30, 1859; Rev. 
Austin H. Stowell, Nov. 3, i860 to April 24, 1862; Rev. Edwin A. 
Lecompte, July 20, 1862 to Dec. 31, 1868 : Rev. Evan Lewis, Sept. 
19, 1869 to Sept. I, 1871 ; Rev. Andrew Pollard, Jan. i. 1872 to June 
19, 1874 ; Rev. Lambert L. Wood, Dec. 16, 1874 to June 1879 ; Rev. 
Charles H. Spalding, April 1,1880 to Oct. 31, 1889 ; Rev, Charles L. 
Rhoades, Jan. i, 1889 to Nov. 30, 1889 ; Rev. Edwin S. Wheeler Dec. 
I, 1890 to June I, 1895 ; Rev. Oscar A. Hillard, Oct. 6, 1895 to June 
3, 1898. Shortly after the latter date the union of the churches 
occurred. 

St. Augustine's Chapel — Dorchester Street. 

It was an act of love that planted the seed from which the Catholic 
faith took root in South Boston, and it is to the good Bishop John 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



361 



Cheverus that the origin of Catholicity, as well as its strong and healthy- 
growth, is due. It was he, who, about 1819, purchased the property 
now known as St. Augustine's Cemetery, that he might erect thereon 
a mausoleum for the remains of his beloved friend and benefactor. Rev. 
Francis Anthony Matignon, D. D. 

Bishop Cheverus, who came to this country a French exile, found 
no better friend than Dr. Matignon. It was he who brought Bishop 
Cheverus to Boston to aid him in the pastorate of the only Catholic 
Church then within the city limits. They were devoted friends, each 
sharing the others' labors and trials, and a willing assistant in each 
others' enterprises. Thus they lived and labored until Dr. Matignon, 
after his twenty-sixth }ear of service in I^oston, died, Saturday Sept- 
ember 19, 1S18, age sixty-five years. 





ST. AUGUSTINE S CHAPEL. 
Dorchester Street. 



BISHOP JOHN CHEVERUS. 
(First Catholic B shop ot Boston^ 



The news of his death brought sincere sorrow and regret, and the 
love and esteem in which he was held was made manifest by the elab- 
orate funeral accorded him, in which the remains were escorted to the 
Granary Burying Ground by a procession headed by alcolytes and the 
remains entombed in the v^ault of John Magner. 

Up to this time there was not a Catholic burying ground in Bos- 
ton. Bishop Cheverus, therefore, as a mark of respect to his devoted 
friend, and to provide a burial place for Catholics, purchased the land 
now known as St. Augustine's Cemetery and immediately arranged 
for the erection of a small brick building to be used as a sepulchre for 
the remains of Dr. Matignon. 

Being without funds the task was not an easy one, but, through 
the able assistance of the Rev. Fr. Larisey, who collected $1,500, the 
land was purchased, and a small brick building erected. The land was 
purchased December 9, 181 8, and the structure, which was of brick, 30 
by 20 feet, was finished in a short time. The rest of the land was 
cleared and laid out for burial purposes. 



•562 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

For the great assistance rendered him by Father Larisey, the 
cemetery was named St. Augustine's, by Bishop Cheverus, that being 
the patron saint of his order. Shortly after, when the httle brick 
structure was opened for worship, the same name was bestowed upon 
it, and it is doubtful if there are any more familiar names in South Bos- 
ton than St. Augustine's Cemetery and St. Augustine's Chapel. 

As soon as everything was in readiness the remains of Dr, Matignon,. 
of whom Bishop Chevrus wrote, " He died as he had lived — a saint," 
were brought to their last resting place and deposited in a sepulchre 
at the right of the little altar and a mural tablet was then placed in the 
chapel bearing the following : 

HERE LIE THE MORTAL REMAINS OF 

FRANCIS ANTHONY MATIGNON, D. D., 

AND FOR 26 YEARS PASTOR OF THE CHURCH 

of the holy cross in this to^vn 

ob. sept. i9th, 1 81 8, 

.f:t 65. 

Far from the sepulchre of his fathers repose the ashes of the good 
and great Dr. Matignon. But his grave is not as among strangers, for 
it was, and often will be, watered by the tears of an affectionate fiock^ 
and his memory cherished by all who value learning, honor, genius, and 
love devotion. The Bishop and congregation in tears have erected 
this monument of their veneration and gratitude. 

As there was a demand for services at this time, a few pews were 
installed in the little building and it was then used as a place of worship 
by Catholics in the vicinity. It proved to be a strong attraction to 
Catholic residents for miles around and there was such an influx that in 
1833 it was necessary to increase the size of the chapel. 

This was done by enlarging the nave and additional pews were 
then added, giving a seating capacity of about 250. Several other 
improvements were made at the time that added considerable to the 
comfort and convenience of the worshippers. 

The chapel today is practically the same in appearance as it was 
after these improvements were made. Built of brick, it is cruciform 
in shape, with a small altar in the apse. There is also a small choir 
gallery and two small vestries. The roof is slated, and the windows, 
being of Gothic style, give it a quaint appearance. 

Bi.shop Fenwick consecrated the chapel after the improvements 
had been completed, and Rev. Fr. Drummond was the first priest to 
officiate regularly at the chapel. Succeeding him Rev. Thomas Lynch 
celebrated mass from 1833 to 1836. Those who followed him were 
Rev. John Mahoney 1836-39, Rev. Michael Lynch 1839, and Rev- 
Terence Fitzsimmons 1840-45. 

A steady growth soon increased the congregation to such an extent 
that the Httle chapel soon gradually became inadequate and a more 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 363, 

spacious structure became a necessity. This was brought about 
primarily through the opening of free bridges to South Boston in 1843. 

In the meantime the chapel and cemetery had received the remains 
of many of those who composed Boston's Catholic colony and the inter- 
ments were very numerous up to about 1880 and, though others have 
been made since that time, they have been few in number. 

Among those buried beneath the chapel may be mentioned Rt. 
Rev. John B. Fitzpatrick, third bishop of the diocese, who was interred 
in 1866, the remains being placed on the gospel side of the altar where 
a marble slab marks the spot. They were later reinterred in the 
Cathedral of the Holy Cross. 

Outside of the sanctuary rail are the resting places of many priests,. 
a marble slab, bearing the name of the deceased and the church in which 
he labored, marking each. Among them are Rev. Hilary Tucker of the 
Cathedral, died March 15, 1872 ; Rev. John VV. Donahoe, rector of St. 
John's Church, East Cambridge, died March 15, 1873 ; Rev. John B. 
Purcell ot the Cathedral, died March 24, 1873; Rev. Emiliano F. 
Gerbi, rector of the Gate of Heaven Church, South Boston, died June 
28, 1873 ; Rev. G. A. Hamilton, rector of St. Mary's Church, Charles- 
town, died July 31, 1874 ; Rev. Bernard O'Reilly, rector of St. Joseph's, 
Boston, died May 21, 1875 ; Rev. Stanislaus Buteux, died June 14,. 
1875 ; Rev. Alexander Sherwood Healy, brother of former Bishop 
Healy of Portland, and rector of St. James'Church, died Oct. 21, 1875 ; 
Rev. Nicholas J. O'Brien, died April 25, 1876; Rev. Michael Lane,, 
builder and first rector of St. Vincent's Church, South Boston, died 
February 2, 1878; Rev. J. S. Dennehy of St. Mary's Church, Ran- 
dolph, died October 26, 1878 ; Rev. A. I. Conterno, died August 10,. 
1881 ; Rev. John Cummings ; Rev. John B. F. Boland of St. Francis 
de Sales Church, Charlestown, died November 30, 1882 ; Rev. William 
Walsh, died July 9, 1883; Rev. John B. O'Donnell, rector of the 
Church of St. Mary's Star of the Sea, East Boston, died August 22,. 
1884 ; Rev. John Wall of St. Joseph's Church, Somerville, died March 
5, 1886 ; Rev. William A. Blenkinsop of SS. Peter and Paul's Church, 
died January 8, 1892 ; Rev. Leo P. Boland of the Cathedral, died Jan- 
uary 19, 1892 ; Rev. Denis J. O' Donovan, a chaplain of the 9th regiment 
M.V.M., died September 24, 1892 ; Rev. Michael Moran of St. 
Stephen's Church, died July 11, 1894 ; Rev. Edward E. Clexton, St. 
Augustine's Church, South Boston, died January 9, 1897. 

The advent of SS. Peter and Paul's Church, which was dedicated 
in 1845, marked the passing of St. Augustine's Chapel as a place of 
worship, until reopened by Rt. Rev. Mgr. Denis O'Callaghan, D.D., 
P. R., in 1868, when St. Augustine's parish was organized. 

The final abandonment of the chapel as a regular place of worship 
occurred after the dedication of St. Augustine's Church August 30, 
1874, only a monthly mass being celebrated since then. 

Unaltered it stands today, probably the most picturesque spot in 
our entire district — in summer almost completely concealed in its 



3^4 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



cloak of ivy and the wide spreading branches of the verdant and stately- 
elms that surround it, in winter garbed in a mantel of purity, it stands 
forth mid its mipressive surroundings, while the winds of heaven, pass- 
through the clinging leafless ivy and the now barren branches of the 
trees, murmur softly and mournfully a requiem for the dead. 

SS. Peter and Paul's Church — fiW/ Broachvay. 

Through the efforts of Rev. Terence Fitzsimmons, pastor of St. 
Augustine's Chapel 1840-45, SS. Peter and Paul's Church, on West 
Broadway between Dorchester Avenue and A Street, was built, being 
dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul in 1845. 





SS PETER AND PAUL'S CHURCH. 
West Broadway. 



RT. REV, JOHN J BRADY 



Father Fitzsimmons, finding the facilities at St. Augustine's Chapel 
inadequate for the demand, arranged for the construction of a new 
church. The limits of the parish at that time were very extensive not 
only including the entn-e district of South Boston, but Dorchester, 
Canton, Hyde Park, Stoughton and Sharon, the boundaries reaching 
out some twenty miles. 

After arranging his plans, P^ather Fitzsimmons set out to secure 
contributions for the new church. This was previous to 1843. Ii"^ that 
year free bridges were opened to South Boston and being so convenient 
to the city proper the district began to increase rapidly in population 
and Father P^itzsimmons was aided thereby. 

K^^- His new church, a handsome Gothic structure composed mainly of 
dark granite, was completed and dedicated in 1845, the members of St. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 365 

Augustine's Chapel coming to the church to worship. The congrega- 
tion, believing that nothing could be too beautiful for such a place, 
contributed a large amount to fitting it up. 

Three years later, Sept. 7, 1 848, a fire occurred in a nearby build- 
ing and sparks, alighting in the belfry of the church, set it on fire and 
before the blaze could be subdued the entire church was consumed, 
with the exception of the side walls. During the fire the belfry and a 
large section of the wall toppled over and a magnificent figure of " The 
Dead Christ," and a costly organ, were completely destroyed. 

The fire necessitated the reopening of St. Augustine's Chapel, and, 
the congregation having assumed large proportions, it was also necessary 
to secure a hall on Fourth Street making it obligatory to Father Fitz- 
simmons to divide his flock. Though greatly inconvenienced by the 
disaster Father Fitzsimmons did not lose courage, but was soon engaged 
in the reconstruction of the church. 

Father Fitzsimmons kept at his task until 1853 when he was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. P. F. Lyndon previously rector of the Cathedral, who 
continued the work to completion, and November 24, 1853, the present 
structure was opened to the congregation and dedicated, being in 
constant use ever since. 

During the pastorate of Rev. P. F. Lyndon great progress was 
made through his efforts. It was he who introduced the Sisters of 
Notre Dame, and it was his efforts that secured the school building and 
convent opposite the church. He also built up the parish greatly 
during his pastorate and was greatly beloved by his flock. 

He remained at SS. Peter and Paul's until 1863 at which time he 
was succeeded by Rev. William A. Blenkinsop who was pastor 
until 1892. P^ather Blenkinsop was a worthy successor, and, taking 
hold where his predecessor had ended, he continued the work by 
enlarging the parish school and placing the Sisters in charge of the 
Sunday School. 

Like Father Lyndon, P'ather Blenkinsop won the love of his flock 
during his many years of labor and, when finally the hand of death 
rested upon him in 1892, a deep sorrow spread through the parish, he 
having endeared himself to all. 

Bishop John J. Brady was P'ather Blenkinsop's successor and the 
congregation was fortunate to secure such an administrator. He was 
sent from Amesbury where he was looked upon as an ideal priest and 
for his many excellent characteristics was considered worthy of emulation. 

His work here as well as in Amesbury has shown his deep devo- 
tion as well as his consideration for his parishioners, One of his first 
acts was to have the church renovated, and later the rectory adjoining 
the church underwent an enlargement, which not only changed its 
entire appearance but added greatly to its comforts. 

In its many years existence, this parish has gradually diminished 
in size, although its congregation is still very large. As Dorchester, 
Roxbury and other adjoining places grew, churches were erected at 



366 



HISTORY OF SOUTH lOSTON. 



frequent intervals and in this way the size of the parish was reckiced. 

South Boston in the meantime had also become settled very 
thickly, so that the district was divided in order to give a parish to the 
Gate of Heaven and St. Augustine's Churches, the Church of the 
Rosary and St. Vincent's Church, but, owing to the crowded population, 
at the present time, SS. Peter and Paul's Church still has one of the 
largest congregations in the district. 

Bishop Brady had the parish school enlarged a few years ago and 
boys were admitted, and he has given much attention to the convent of 
the Sisters of the Notre Dame and the rest of the church property. 
Bishop Brady is assisted in his labors by four curates. Rev. Charles A. 
O'Connor, Rev. Denis J. Sullivan, Rev. Walter J. Browne, Rev. 
William B. Whalen. P^ather O'Connor is one of the few Gaelic- 
speaking clergymen in the archdiocese. 

St. Al(;ustine's Church — Dorchester Street. 
Vox thirty-three years Rt. Rev. Mgr. Denis O'Callaghan, D.D., 






ST. AUGUSTINE S CHURCH. 
Doirhester Street. 



Residence of MONSIGNOR D O CALLAGHAN, 

D D. P R 

F Street. 

ST. MONICA S CHAPEL. 

Dorchester Street. 

P.R., has presided over the destinies of St. Augustine's parish, or in 
other words it was he who organized it and it is he who has ever since 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 367 

that time presided over its destinies and will be the director of the flock 
until he answers the last call. 

As one looks about and realizes the labors and the results obtained 
during these thirty-three years it is sufficient to teach at least the 
characteristics, activity, determination and confidence which are among 
the most prominent of Monsignor O'Callaghan. 

He was a curate at SS. Peter and Paul's church under Rev. Will- 
iam A. Blenkinsop in 1868, at which time, the Catholic population, 
having increased remarkabh', he was ordered to organize a new parish, 
convenient to the little chapel on Dorchester Street, and without 
hesitancy he started out by first opening the old chapel which had been 
closed to worship for several }ears. 

He conducted services here regularl)- and in a short time had con- 
siderable of a tiock about him. Through his man)- j^ersonal acts as 
well as his strong characteristics he won the respect and esteem of all 
who knew him and, thus armed, he pushed forward with his parishion- 
ers ever with him and giving their undixided su{)port to all his under- 
takings. 

Thus strengthened he progressed. He first rejected a tract of 
land on E Street for his church and finally selected the spot where St. 
Augustine's now stands on Dorchester Street. This being a higher 
location and in closer proximity to Dorchester he calculated that it 
would be the better of the two, and this it proved to be. 

After having his plans perfected, ground was broken for the new 
structure in the spring of 1870 and was pushed forward with such 
rapidity that on September 1 1 of the same year the corner-stone of the 
new edifice was laid with appropriate ceremony. 

Not a hitch occurred to delay the work, which progressed with 
such rapidity that in July 2, 1871, less than a year after the laying of 
the corner-stone, the basement was in readiness for worship and on 
that date the first mass was said. The work was rapidly pushed to 
completion and August 30, 1874, Bishop John J. Williams dedicated 
the structure, it being, as today, one of the most beautiful parish 
churches in the archdiocese. 

When completed, with its interior fixings, the church represented 
about $250,000. It is a handsome structure, constructed of red brick 
with freestone trimmings in the Gothic style of architecture. There 
are three entrances on Dorchester Street to the main auditorium, the 
basement of the church being reached from entrances on either side. 

An excellent organ was installed in the main church. There are 
three magnificent marble altar.s, and the church is lighted by beautiful 
colored windows on either side, some of the windows having been 
imported and are valued in the vicinity of $500. 

Such a structure naturally brought a heavy debt upon the parish- 
ioners and when the church was completed Father O'Callaghan set to 
work to clear the debt. As the parish was well organized by this time 
his task was made easier, although it was by no means a diminutive 



368 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

one. He worked diligently and unceasingly, however, and the burden, 
remarkable as it may seem, had entirely disappeared within ten years, 
and on August 31, 1884, the archbishop performed the ceremony of 
consecration. 

Father O'Callaghan erected a substantial brick building as a rec- 
tory on F Street connecting directly with the church, and in 1888 also 
built a brick structure on F Street, and also connected with the church, 
principally for hall purposes and for additional vestry room. 

Both rector and congregation were well satisfied with the results, 
but much remained to be accomplished before Father O'Callaghan's 
ideas could be carried out. He desired to erect a parish school and 
after a few years he had in his possession a sufficient sum to purchase 
the lot of land on E Street which he had refused for his church site. 

He purchased the lot and soon after had plans drawn for the 
school. The structure grew rapidly and was finally completed, being 
fitted throughout with the most modern appurtenances at a cost of 
about $150,000. 

Upon its completion the school was immediately opened and has 
today an attendance of about 800 pupils who are tutored by the Sisters 
of Notre Dame. Since that time Father O'Callaghan has worked 
diligently to eliminate the debt, which is rapidly diminishing. 

The year 1898 was an eventful one for Father O'Callaghan as it 
came laden with many greetings of good will and esteem from various 
sources. It marked the 30th consecutive year of his pastorate and in 
recognition of this the parishioners tendered him a reception April 12 
and 13 in St. Augustine's Hall. Two months later, when St. Charles 
College, of Baltimore, Maryland, was observing its golden anniversary. 
Father O'Callaghan, who was ordained there, received the degree of 
" Doctor of Divinity " from Cardinal Gibbons. 

Nor was this all, for Mayor Josiah Ouincy of Boston invited the 
Rev. Denis O'Callaghan to be the orator of the day on July 4th of that 
year and his address in Faneuil Hall, on that occasion, was listened too 
by a multitude of people. His zeal in his constant labors also won him 
a reward from His Grace Archbishop John J. Williams who recognized 
his successful efforts by making him permanent rector of St. Augustine's 
Church in the fall of the same year, much to the gratification of his 
parishioners. 

During the many years of his pastorate the congregation was ever 
increasmg, the greatest development being manifested in the Andrew 
Square district and it soon became evident that the church was gradu- 
ally becoming inadequate and that a change would have to occur 
eventually. 

Father O'Callaghan was not ignorant of the progress and conse- 
quent needs. He had been watching it and trying to solve the matter 
until, in 1900, he succeeded in a way that not only relieved the 
church but made matters much more convenient for the parishioners 
residing in the vicinity of Andrew Square. He purchased Unity Chapel 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



;69 



from the Unitarian Society when that property was for sale, and, after 
enlarging and altering the structure and putting it in excellent con- 
dition, it was blessed and dedicated by Archbishop John J. Williams 
Nov. 4, 1900, being named St. Monica's Chapel, after the mother of 
St. Augustine. 

On the observance of his 33 years pastorate his parishioners pre- 
sented Father O'Callaghan with a handsome bronze bust of himself 
which occupies a place in St. Augustine's Hall. 

Nor was this all, the crowning honor was yet to be bestowed upon 
him a little later. This most recent and greatest of all honors was the 
appointment from His Holiness, Pope Leo XHL, making Father 
O'Callaghan a Monsignor and he was invested in the purple robes of 
his office October 2, 1901. His most recent public act was administer- 
ing the oath of office to His Honor, Mayor Patrick A. Collins. 




GATE OF HEAVEN CHURCH AND RECTORY, 
N W. Corner I and East Fourth Streets 



Monsignor O'Callaghan was born in Ireland in 1841, and early in 
life came with his parents to Salem, Mass., receiving his education first 
in St. James Parochial School under care of Rev. Thomas H. Shahan. 
He then went to St. Charles College, Maryland, and later to St. Mary's 
Seminary in Baltimore. He was ordained to the priesthood June 29, 
1865, by Bishop Spaulding and, after coming to Boston, was appointed 
assistant to Rev. Fr. Blenkinsop of SS Peter and Paul's Church. 

Rev. John J. Harkins, Rev. Francis G. Russell, Rev. Michael C. 
Gilbride and Rev. P^rancis W. Maley are the curates and able assistants 
of the Rt. Rev. Mgr. Denis O'Callaghan, D.D., P.R. 

Gate of Heaven Church — East Fourth Street. 

There were very few Catholics living at City Point when St. 
Augustine's Chapel was first opened as a place of worship, and 



370 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



SS. Peter and Paul's Church, when erected, was placed where it would 
be most convenient to the greatest number. 

As the congregation grew, however, it spread out to such an extent 
that within a few years there were many Catholic families scattered 
through the City Point district, and the need of a church there soon 
became evident. It was not until the sixties that the work of erecting 
a church assumed any definite form. 

P'ather Lyndon, who was then pastor ot SS. Peter and Paul's 
Church, was consulted in the matter, and it was through his efforts that 

the plain brick structure 
at P^ast Fourth and I 
Streets was erected and 
dedicated March 19, 1863. 
P^ at her Lyndon and 
P^ather Blenkinsop atten- 
ded to the spiritual wants 
of the congregation until 
1865, when Rev. James 
Sullivan, the first resident 
rector, took charge and 
administered to the flock 
until 1868. He soon erec- 
ted the rectory on P2ast 
P'ourth Street, adjoining 
the church property, which 
has undergone alterations 
and repairs at frequent 
intervals since then. 

P^ather Sullivan's suc- 
cessor was Rev. Emiliano 
Gherbi, an Italian P^ran- 
ciscan, who, for five years, 
cared for the welfare of 
the parish and the congre- 
gation and did much tow- 
ard strengthening and 
building it up. Rev. P2miliano Gherbi, after a brief illness, died in 
1873 and Rev. Michael F. Higgins succeeded him as rector. 

P'ather Higgins proved to be a very active and energetic man and 
one of his first undertakings, on assuming the pastorate, was to erect 
St. Agnes' Convent, corner of I and P:ast Plfth Streets, and introducing 
the Sisters of St. Joseph. 

P'or thirteen years the ever increasing congregation was cared for 

by Rev. Father Higgins. While yet in the prime of life he was 

stricken down, and after an illness of several months he died May 7, 1 886. 

Rev. Theodore A. Metcalf was the successor of Rev. Father Higgins 

and from 1886 until 1890 had charge of the parish, during which time 




GATE OF HEAVEN CHURCH, 

S W. Corner I and East Fourth Streets 

As it will appear when completed. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Z7^ 



he made many improvements. Father Metcalf was the organizer of the 
" League of the Sacred Heart." In 1890 he was transferred, and, 
shortly afterward, owing to his faihng health, he retired. 

Rev. Robert J. Johnson of Dedham next assumed charge of the 
parish, in 1890. He was at once impressed with the necessity of a 
new church, for at that time part of the congregation, owing to the size 
of the church, was compelled to worship in St. Michael's Hall. Plans 
were accordingly prepared, but before anything definite had been done, 
the old church was visited by fire, March 4, 1895, causing great 
damage. This ivas repaired as soon as possible and work on the new 
building was hurried along. 

Sunday afternoon October 4, 1896, Archbishop John J. Williams 

laid the corner stone. Rev. Peter 
Ronan of St. Peter's Church, 
Dorchester, delivered the sermon. 
Every effort was made to 
quickly finish the basement, with 





REV. ROBERT J. JOHNSON. 



ST. EULALIA S CHAPEL. 
O St and E. Broadway. 



the result that on Sunday, June 17, 1900, it was opened for worship. 
The main auditorium remains to be completed, and, according to the 
plans, two large steeples, one of which is to have a clock, are to be 
reared on either corner of the front elevation. 

The edifice is constructed after the thirteenth century type of 
Gothic architecture, of buff Roman brick, with brownstone trimmings. 
It has a frontage on East Fourth Street of 106 feet, a depth of 184 
feet, and with its great height and other conspicuous points presents an 
imposing appearance. 

Though the main auditorium is unfinished, the plans indicate it 
will be beautiful when the work is completed. The basement itself is 
magnificent in its arrangement and fittings — the woodwork of oak, 
altars of sandstone and marble, the blue and gold-tinted walls, the 



372 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

beautiful organ and magnificent stations, making it one of the most 
elaborate houses of worship in or about Boston. 

During the construction of the new church, Father Johnson, in 
response to the urgent demands of the parishioners at City Point, erected 
St. Eulalia's Chapel on East Broadway and O Street. 

The chapel, a composite design in Spanish architecture, has a 
frontage of 75 feet on Broadway and a de])th of 200 feet, and its 
exterior is of a cement finish, giving it an odd appearance. The main 
entrance consists of a triple doorway on Broadway, and, rising directly 
over it from the roof, is an arch surmounted by a cross. The interior 
is prettily finished in cherry, the walls being tinted in light and dark 
green and yellow. The altar is done in white and on either side of it 
are niches with statues of the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph. 

The main portion of the church is one story high, while the centre 
rises to two stories. It is well lighted throughout. This chapel was 
opened for services May 6, 1900. 

With these two important steps taken, the openintg of the base- 
ment in the new church and the holding of services in he chapel. Rev. 
Fr. Johnson took his first vacation in nineteen years, going abroad. 
During his travels he studied the great churches of other countries and 
has incorporated many ideas into the new edifice. On his return, at a 
reception tendered him in St. Michael's Hall, he was presented with a 
purse of $2,300, which he immediately turned over to the building fund. 

During Father Johnson's pastorate great strides have been made 
and he has endeared himself to his large flock. In his labors Father 
Johnson is ably assisted by Rev. Timothy J. Mahoney, Rev. Thomas 
F. Brannan, Rev. John T. O'Brien, and Rev. Charles Ulrich. Among 
the institutions in the parish receiving attention from the rector and 
curates are the House of Correction, the Perkins' Institution for the 
Blind and Massachusetts School for the Blind, and the Carney Hospital. 

Church of St. Vincent De Paul — E Street. 

St. Vincent's Church, as it is generally known, is remarkable for 
at least one thing, it followed many of its original parishioners when it 
changed location from Purchase Street to E Street, South Boston. To 
the majority of the present parishioners, it is well known that much that 
is apparent of the exterior of St. Vincent's Church was once the old 
Purchase Street Church on Fort Hill. The old church was built in 
1825 for the Unitarians, but sold to the Catholics in 1848, Bishop 
Pltzpatrick purchasing it for the purposes of the Catholics of that 
section. 

The levelling of the old hill, in the early sixties, compelled the 
removal of the residents, and many of them made their home in South 
Boston. 

So great a number settled in the vicinity of D and E Streets, that 
it was soon decided to form a new parish. For a long time mass was 
celebrated in the old Baptist Church, corner of C Street and West 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



2>n 




Broadway, and in 1872 a portion of SS. Peter and Paul's parish was set 
apart as St. Vincent's parish and work was commenced on the church. 
Material from the old Purchase Street Church was carted to West Third 
and P2 Streets and the large granite blocks were used for the two main 
walls of the new church. 
When completed, the old 
bell was also transferred 
and has since called the 
worshippers of St. Vin- 
cent's Church to services. 
The magnificent painting 
of " The Crucifixion " 
which has ever since occu- 
pied a prominent position 
over the main altar, in St. 
Vincent's Church, was also 
from the old house of wor- 
ship. 

Rev. Michael Lane 
was chosen the first rector 
and under his direction 
the new church took shape. 
July 19, 1874 it was dedi- 
cated by Bishop Williams, 
solemn high mass being 
celebrated by Rev. William A. Blenkinsop, with Rev. M. Supple, 
deacon, and Rev. Richard Barry, sub-deacon. Rev. P"r. Wissel, C. SS. R. 
preached the sermon. 

P^or four years Rev. Michael Lane labored in this parish, winning 

the esteem and love of the parish- 
ioners. During his pastorate he 
strengthened the parish and devoted 
great energy to its welfare and in 
beautifying the church. In 1879 he 
died, causing much sorrow through- 
out South Boston as well as in his 
own parish. He was succeeded by 
Rev. William J. Corcoran of Hyde 
Park. 

P^ather Corcoran remained pas- 
tor until his death February 21, 
1897, eighteen consecutive years, 
and Rev. George J. Patterson was 
REV GEORGE J PATTERSON, scut froui Abiugtou to assumc the 

pastorate of St. \"incent's Church. 

He received a warm welcome by the congregation as he was for- 
merly a resident of the Fort Hill district, and an altar boy in the old 



CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, 
E and West Third Streets. 




374 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

church, and had been a pupil of the Boylston school, so that his coniing^ 
marked another reunion. 

Father Patterson had the reputation of being an energetic worker 
and a man of ability and determination and it was not long before there 
were many indications of these characteristics, and his labors, both for 
the spiritual good of his flock and the beautification of his church, have 
never ceased. 

He directed his attention to the church immediately on assuming 
the pastorate, and the structure, under his supervision, underwent a 
thorough renovation, lie reconstructed the sanctuary, beautified the 
entire interior of the church including the basement, reconstructed the 
organ gallery and fitted the church with beautiful windows of opal- 
escent glass, and also introduced electric lighting. The most recent 
and most extensive improvement was the erection of a magnificent 
marble altar. 

Two of the windows, the most beautiful in the church, were pre- 
sented to him. One, representing the Saviour, was the gift of the 
members of the Society of the Sacred Heart ; the other, a likeness of 
the Blessed Virgin, was the gift of the Young Ladies' Sodality. These 
two windows are considered the finest specimens of opalescent glass 
work in the city. Each cost Si,ooo. 

Though Father Patterson has given so much time and attention to 
beautifying his church he has not allowed this work to interfere with 
his spiritual duties. He has given much attention to the suppression 
of intemperance in his parish and has also devoted much time toward 
the higher education of the younger members of his flock. 

Since he assumed the pastorate of St. Vincent's Church, a splendid 
sanctuary choir has been formed, a library has been established for the 
young ladies, Father Patterson securing a small house opposite the 
church for this purpose, and a banjo, mandolin and guitar club, as well 
as a sewing school, are other features he has introduced for the entertain- 
ment, education and sociability of the younger members of the parish. 

In all these undertakings and labors. Father Patterson has received 
able assistance from his two curates, Rev. P'arrah A. Brogan and 
Rev. John J. Lyons. 

Church of our Lady of the Rosary — Wrst Sixt/i Street. 

When this parish was set apart from SS. Peter and Paul's Church 
it marked the last division of the first Catholic parish in South Boston. 
As the church was inconveniently located for persons living in this 
neighborhood, and as it was overburdened with members, it was 
deemed advisable to make this final division, thereby adding to the 
convenience of all. With this object in view Rev. John J. McNulty 
came from Dedham to collect funds for the erection of a church in the 
new parish. 

He commenced his undertaking in 1884, taking up his residence 
for the time at SS. Peter and Paul's Church. Here he became 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



375 



acquainted with the members of his parish and his many sterhng 
qualities soon won for him their love and esteem. 

He secured a considerable amount of money, having, in the mean- 
time, selected a place for the erection of the church. This district 
being overcrowded at that time it was im[)ossible to get a vacant lot in 
a proper location and when he selected the site upon which the church 
now stands, only part of it was clear, the rest being occupied by 
buildings. 

This made it inconvenient and resulted in delay in the building of 
the church as the old structures had to be removed before work could 
commence on the edifice. The work progressed .slowly. Mass was 
said for the first time in the new structure December 25, 1884, and on 
Oct. 18, 1885 the edifice was dedicated. 

The church is constructed of wood and has three entrances on 





REV, JOHN A, DONNELLY. 



CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY, 
West Sixth Street. 



West Sixth Street. The interior is prettily decorated and has been 
improved from time to time. 

Father McNulty proved to be a favorite not only with his congre- 
gation, but with all who had occasion to know him. After finishing 
his church, he soon erected, on the lot adjoining it, a rectory, also of 
wood, convenient and comfortable. 

Among the many improvements in the church was the introduc- 
tion of electric lighting, the entire system being after his own ideas 
and plans. He also made many improvements in the general appear- 
ance both of the church and of the rectory. 

On the occasion of his silver jubilee, December 1 898, the congre- 
gation presented him with a sum of money which he only accepted on 
the condition that he could expend it on the church, as he had previously 
done with similar gifts. 

Father McNulty remained rector of the Church of the Rosary 
until 1900 when he was transferred to St. Cecilia's Church. The 



376 TIISTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

change came as a surprise and was much regretted by the parishioners, 
but, as it was looked upon as a reward for his excellent endeavors, he was 
bidden God speed by his congregation. Rev. John D. Colbert suc- 
ceeded Rev. J. J. McNulty. 

Rev'. John A. Donnelly, present rector, was born in Somerville, 
Mass. After a classical course in Boston College and Nicolet, Canada, 
he entered Montreal Seminary, where he was ordained to the priesthood 
December 17, 1881, by Bishop Fabre. He has filled the duties of assis- 
tant at Wakefield, Jamaica Plain and Natick. At the death of Rev. John 
Walsh, rector at the latter place, the mission of South Natick became 
a parish, April, 1890, and Fr. Donnelly appointed rector. While there 
he also had charge of Wellesley, Dover and Medfield, in which latter 
place he built a beautiful chapel dedicated to St. Edward. Among 
other improvements in the church at South Natick he built a parochial 
residence and acquired a large tract of land for future needs. Fr. 
Donnelly was transferred to the Church of the Rosary in 1902. He is 
assisted by Rev. Denis J. Crimmins and Rev. Francis Kenney. 

Church of our Ladv of Czexstochowa. (Polish Catholic) 

DorcJicstcr Ave nit c. 

Among the nationalities that recent years have made conspicuous 
in our district are the Poles, who, for various reasons, chief among them 
being the high tax rate imposed by Russia, have left their fatherland, 
and, coming to this country, have settled in different places, it being 
estimated that about 3,000 go to make up the population of Boston at 
the present time. 

Out of this number South Boston has a large quota and the 
number has been on the increase. A request was made, about 1892, of 
Archbishop Williams, for a church and a rector, where these people 
could worship as in their own country. Rev. John Chmielinski, who was 
ordained for the Italian missions in Piacenza, Italy, and who was, at this 
time, at the Church of the Sacred Heart in North Square, was selected, 
and he was soon engaged in the work of erecting the church. 

He purchased a lot of land, on Boston Street, sufficient for his 
church and rectory, for $7,000, and then commenced work on the edifice, 
a neat wooden structure, providing ample accommodations for his con- 
gregation, which at that time numbered only 600. It was but a short 
time before the structure was completed and was dedicated to Our 
Lady of Czenstochowa. 

As soon as the Polish community learned that the church was 
erected the congregation increased rapidly, those who had been attend- 
ing other churches joining F'ather ChmieHnski's fold where they could 
hear and understand the sermons preached in their own language. As 
the congregation comprises families in Cambridge, Chelsea, the city 
proper, and other districts it became necessary to organize classes for 
the children at these places where they receive religious instruction. 

Rev. John J. Czubek, who was ordained at the Brighton Seminary 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



377 



in 1898, was sent to assist Father Ciimielinski, as the growth of the 
parish had assumed such proportions that it was impossible for one to 
care for it properly. A visit is now made to Fall River every month 
and the care of the Polish Catholics in the Providence and Boston 
dioceses come directly upon these men. 

In the fall of 1899, owing to the great changes wrought by the 
relocation of the tracks of the New York, New Haven and Hartford 
railroad, P^ather Chmielinski decided to make extensive changes in his 
church. Boston Street had 

been graded so high that in - .^ 

order to place the church on 
a level with the street it 
would require a vast amount 





REV. JOHN CHMIELINSKI 



CHURCH OF OUR LADY CZENSTOCHOWA, 

(Polish Catholic). Dorcheste' Avenue. 



of labor and considerable outlay. 

As the church property extended from Boston Street to Dor- 
chester Avenue, he turned the entire edifice around and moved it for- 
ward, thereby placing it on Dorchester Avenue, instead of Boston 
Street. After the church had been improved by putting in a base- 
ment and adding a more elaborate entrance to it, it was once more 
opened for services. 

Rev. John Chmielinski was born in Poland, about 1868, and after 
receiving his early education there he studied for the priesthood in Italy, 
where he was ordained. He has excellent command of the English 
language and is an earnest and energetic worker. Father Czubek 
received his early education in Detroit and later came to Boston where 
he began his studies for the priesthood. A new parochial residence is 
now being erected on Dorchester Avenue adjoining the church. 

St. Joseph's Chapel (Lithuanian) — 4g2 East Seventh Street. 

Members of another race, who have been subjected to the iron 
rule and crushing power of Russia and who have sought out our 
country of freedom as an abiding place, are the Lithuanians. By 



3/ 



78 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




LITHUANIAN CHURCH (CATHOLIC), 
West Fifth Street. 



degrees quite a colony of these people from the vicinity of the 
Baltic Sea nas developed in this district. 

Settling in and about Boston they first worshipped with the 
Poles and Germans, but, as their num- 
bers increased, they felt the necessity 
of a church of their own and a shepherd 
of their tongue there who could preach 
to them in their language and give 
them the attention that only one of their 
race was capable of giving. 

In 1894 there came to St. John's 
Seminary, Brighton, a student who had 
studied for the priesthood for three 
years at St. Petersburg Seminary, Rus- 
sia. In 1895 he was ordained from St. 
John's Seminary. This was Rev. Joseph 
A. Gricuis. 

As soon as it became known that 
there was a Lithuanian student at the 
seminary a request was made and Arch- 
bishop Williams accordingly appointed 
Father Gricuis to have charge of these 
people as soon as he was ordained. He 
immediately set to work, and in 1896 his congregation had been 
organized and he purchased the dwelling house, 492 P^ast Seventh 
Street, had it altered and fitted for church purposes and his little 
congregation was soon enjoying the same privileges as large and 
more prosperous ones. The congregation was 
composed principally of Lithuanians residing in 
South Boston and the city proper. Father 
Gricuis also conducted services in the basement 
of the German Church for his countrymen 
residing in Boston, Roxbury, Brighton, Cam- 
bridge and other suburbs. 

Father Gricuis is an energetic worker and 

a man of determined character. He is about 

35 years of age and was born in Raudena. It 

was through his own efforts that he secured his 

education, his parents being without means. 

By acting as a tutor he obtained a recompense 

sufificient to carry on his studies at Shawli and 

at Riga and later at St. Petersburg. 

The little church progressed well until March 8, 1 899, when it was 

almost destroyed by fire. P""ather Gricuis, undaunted by this misfortune. 

soon gathered his people together and since then has celebrated one 

mass every Sunday in the German Church, Shawmut Avenue. 

A short time ago, through the efforts of many of the Lithuanians, 




REV. JOSEPH 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



79 



a new brick church was planned and is now ready for occupancy. It 
is situated on West Fifth Street and supplies a long felt want. As yet 
no rector has been appointed, nor the church occupied, and it may be 
many months before it is dedicated and a congregation organized. 

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. — H'csf Broachvay. 

To St. Matthew's Church belongs the honor of being the first 
church society in South Bo.ston, making its advent May 31, 1816, when 
a meeting, called by Mr. J. R. Cotting, was held at the house of 
Abraham Gould, then 

one of the leading T-.^".. '^ . \\ ' f •/" 

men of this district, 
for the purpose of or- 
ganization. Thirty- 
five persons were in 
attendance, and it was 
this root, under the 
name of " St. Mat- 
thew's Episcopal 
Church and Congre- 
gation in the Towne 
of Boston," and under 
the care of the Rt. 
Rev. Alexander V. 
Griswold,that in later 
years developed into 
the St. Matthew's 
Church of today. 

June 24, 1 816, 
an act of incorporation 
was granted the 
church and the first 
service was held six 
days later in the old 
schoolhouse that stood on Broadway near G Street. 

October 13, 181 7, the warden was instructed to purchase two lots 
of land on West Broadway, on the southwesterly side of E Street, for 
the purpose of erecting a meeting house. This being done, the work 
of construction began and was carried through with such rapidity that 
June 24, 181 8, the structure was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Alexander 
V. Griswold, assisted by Rev. J. I. J. Gardner of Trinity Church, Rev. 
A. Eaton and Rev. Mr. Kearny of New York, with Rev. J. B. Howe 
and Rev. T. Carlisle of Boston. 

Matters progressed well. April 21, 18 19, the selectmen of the 
town of Boston presented the church with a bell which had formerly 
hung in Faneuil Hall. This was placed in the steeple and was rung 
for the first time on the 14th of the following month. 




MATTHEW'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 
West Broadway. 



3So 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Finally the church accomodations became inadequate and by a 
vote, the land where the present St. Matthew's Church stands, was pur- 
chased, July I, i860, and work began on a more elaborate and commo- 
dious structure. The new building was finished early in the spring of 
1 86 1 and was dedicated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Eastburn and it has since 
been the place of worship for the members of this church. 

During the 85 years in which it has been conspicuous the following 
well known clergymen, prominent in the Episcopal denomination, have 
been its rectors : Rev. Dr. Gardner, 1821 to 1824 ; Rev. J. L. Blake, 
1824 to 1832 ; Rev. E. M. P. Wells, 1832 to 1835 ; Rev. H. L. Con- 
nolly, 1835 to 1838; Rev. J. H. Clinch, 1838 to i860; Rev. P'rederick 




REV. W, S. W, RAYMOND, 
Grace Church. 



REV. A. B. SHIELDS, 

Church of the Redeemer. 

EPISCOPAL RECTORS. 



REV. W. H. DEWART, 
St. Matthew's Church 



Wilson, 1 860 to 1869; Rev. J. I. T. Coolidge, 1869 to 1873; Rev. 
lohn Wright, 1873 to 1887. During the pastorate of Rev. John Wright 
$5,000 was expended in enlarging and improving the edifice, a large 
Sunday school room being added at this time. Rev. A. E. George was 
the next rector, remaining until December 1901. 

Rev. William H. Dewart succeeded Rev, Mr. George, assuming 
charge in P^ebruary 1902. He was born in Ohio, received his early 
education in the west, and later came to Cambridge where he took a 
course in St. John's Divinity School. During his studies in Cambridge 
he assisted in church *work in Cambridgeport, and in 1892 became 
assistant rector of Trinity Church, where he remained until his appoint- 
ment to St. Matthew's Church. 

Rev Mr. Dewart is married and has two children, and resides at 
the Phillips Brooks rectory on PZast Broadway. He is member of the 
University Club, Boston Athletic Association and the P:astern Yacht 
Club. Though at St. Matthew's but a brief period he has made many 
improvements in the building and has done much to create a feeling of 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



38 1 



unity and good fellowship among his people. He has readily won 
his way into the hearts of his congregation, which has taken on a con- 
siderable growth since his atlvent there. 

Grace Episcopal Church. — Dorchester Street. 

This church is one of the earliest results of the work of the Epis- 
copal City Mission. It started in 1871, when services were first held 
in Washington Hall, Andrew Square, directed by Rev. Mr. Kelley, 
then assistant at Trinity Church. 

The congregation was small, as Washmgton Village at that time 
was in reality only a village. 
In the great fire of 1872, 
St. Stephen's Church on 
Purchase Street was burned, 
and many of the congrega- 
tion settled in Washington 
Village, thereby increasing 
the congregation to such an 
extent that a new place of 
worship became a necessity, 
and the following year the 
bowling alley in Grimes 
Hall, very near the present 
church, was used for wor- 
ship. 

Mr. Reuben Kidner, 
a student in the Episcopal 
Theological School, Cam- 
bridge, took charge in 1872. 
Services were held in the 
bowling alley until 1875, 
when the present edifice 
was erected. During these 
years Phillips Brooks fre 
quently preached here to 
large congregations. Rev. 
J. I. T. Coolidge, of St. Matthew's Church, was very helpful with 
his services. 

Rev. Dr. Andrew Gray was the first rector of the new church 
which was dedicated by Bishop Paddock in 1875. It was called Grace 
Church after Grace Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., from which Bishop Pad- 
dock was called to the Diocese of Massachusetts. 

It has had but eight rectors during its thirty years of existence, 
including Rev. Dr. Alexander Mackey-Smith, Rev. George Buck, Rev. 
W. D. P. Bliss, Rev. John Armstrong, Rev. F. M. B. Brooks,' Rev. 
J. G. Robinson. Rev. H. S. Nash of the Cambridge Episcopal Theo- 
logical School was at one time a lay reader. 




GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 

Dorchester Street. 



382 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

The present rector is Rev. William S. W. Raymond. He was 
installed in 1857 ^^'^ during his pastorate much has been accomplished. 

He was born in New Brunswick, Canada, Sept. 7, 1866, being 
a son of Philo M. and Elizabeth (Mac Leod) Raymond. After passing 
through the primary and grammar grades he entered the Fredericton 
High School. 

Later he entered the University of New Brunswick from which 
he graduated in 1886. He entered the Episcopal Theological School, 
Cambridge, Mass., in 1891, graduating in 1894. His first pastorate 
was the Church of the Ascension, at Auburn, R. I., and later he 
accepted a call to become rector of St. John's Church, Arlington, 
Mass. In Sept. 1897 he resigned to accept the pastorate of Grace 
Church, over which he has since presided. He has proven an energetic 
worker and has won the love of his congregation. He is now working 
to obtain a parish house for the church and a considerable sum has 
already been raised for this purpose. 

Church of the Redeemer (Episcopal) — East Fourth Street. 

One of the most recently established of South Boston's churches 
is that on East Fourth Street, near N Street, known as the Church of 
the Redeemer, with Rev. Albert B. Shields as rector. 

For the purpose of considering the matter of establishing a church 
for the Episcopalians who resided in the City Point section, a meeting 
was held at the residence of Hon. Benjamin Dean, Sunday, July 25, 
1875, and St. Matthew's Chapel was then and there organized. Rev. 
John Wright, rector of St. Matthew's Church, formed a Sunday School 
class. 

The following month, August, the meeting place was changed to 
the studio of Prof. Walter Smith and here they worshipped for several 
years in charge of Mr. Reuben Kidner. 

Toward the latter part of 1882 services were held in Dean Hall, a 
building on the Dean estate, conducted by Rev. A. ¥ . Washburn and 
here they remained until the early part of 1885 when preparations were 
made to move into the new church that had been erected on P2ast 
P'ourth Street. 

May 13, 1885 the first service was held in the present house of 
worship. 

June 3, 1887, the size of the congregation led to a change of name 
from that of Chapel and the church has since been known as the 
Church of the Redeemer. 

In the days of St. Matthew's Chapel there were lay readers in 
charge, the succession being as follows: Mr. Reuben Kidner, Mr. Percy 
C. Webber, Mr. J. Nelson Jones, Mr. Charles C. F. Lyons, Mr. Charles 
P>ench, Mr. Henry R. Sargent and Mr. Edward A. Rand. 

Jan. 16, 1 88 1 Rev A. St. John Chambie D. D. became rector and 
was succeeded, June 5, 1881, by Rev Frederick W. Devens, and the 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 






latter Jan. 22, 1882 was succeeded by Rev Alfred F. Washburn, who 
remained until the appointment of Rev A. B. Shields in 1895. 

Rev. Albert B. Shields, rector of this church, was born in Nova 
Scotia, August 15, 1861, his father being a prominent Baptist minister 
in that province. In 1875 he attended Norton Academy in Wolfeville, 
N. S. and five years later, when his parents moved to this country, he 
continued his studies at Worcester Academy, graduating two years 
later. In 1882 he entered Boston University from where betook the 
degree of Ph. B. and A. B. He devoted another year of study at 
Brown University where he earned the degree of A. M., took special 
courses at the Theological School in Cambridge, and then a post grad- 
uate course at Harvard, where he received the degree of A. M. in 1888. 
In 1889 he was 
ordained a deacon 
and in 1890 or- 
dained to the priest- 
hood. 

In 1889 he was 
appointed by Bishop 
Paddock to take 
charge of the Church 
of the Ascension at 
Waltham, Mass., 
two years later was 
chosen to a similar 
position in Pontiac, 
R. I., and in 1895 
accepted the call to 
the Church of the 
Redeemer, South Boston, assuming charge early in January. 

Since his advent into this district Rev. Mr. Shields has been an 
indefatigable and zealous worker. He has endeared himself not only 
to his own congregation but is held in high esteem by those of all 
denominations. He is liberal in his views, and has ever been interested 
in matters pertaining to the welfare of the entire district. 

As the result of his unceasing efforts for young men there was 
organized a Phillips Brooks Club, and a reading room was established in 
the basement of the church, Jan. 24, 1898. 

^ Rev. Mr. Shields is an artist and painter of particular merit and 
Christmas of 1900 was marked by the presentation to his church, by 
him, of two panels copied from Sargent's Prophets, in the Boston Pub- 
lic Library, the work of his brush. 

City Point Methodist Episcopal Church. — East Fifth Street. 

This church was the out-growth of a Sunday School class organized 
early in 1873, and on the first Sunday of February of that year. Rev. 





CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER (EPISCOPAL), 
East Fourth Street. 



-,«^i HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

W. F. Mallalieu, D.D.,(novv Bishop) appointed Brother Edwin B. Spin- 
ney as class leader. This class, was known as Class No. 7, had no reg- 
ular meeting place and it gathered at the different houses of the 
members. The first meeting, after the appointment of Brother Spinney, 
was held at 620 East Fifth Street, and in this way the class progressed 
and grew until it was felt that a more complete organization was 
necessary. 

After six years had elapsed the class included about all of the 
Methodists in the City Point district. A meeting was held at 614 East 
Fifth Street in December 1878 and an organization was perfected, 
known as the " Methodist Episcopal Association." A suitable consti- 
tution was adopted and a committee was then appointed to secure a 
room for a meeting place. 

Soon the committee rented a small one story building at the corner 
of Emerson and E Streets and the first service of the association was 
conducted here Dec. 31, 1878. The following Sabbath, Jan. 5, 1879, 
the Sunday School held its first session, Stephen W. Crowell acting as 
superintendent. 

During its early days there was no preacher, the services being 
conducted under the direction of the president. January 4, 1880 the 
services of Rev. F. Jones were secured and he preached until April 
1 88 1, and was followed by Rev. W. G. Grant, who took charge of the 
members until June 1881. Rev. J. E. Monroe succeeded him and 
remained until February, 1882. The following eight months of that 
year they were without a permanent preacher, until Rev. Charles Tilton 
took up his labors with them, beginnmg Oct. 10. It was under his 
leadership that the association first requested the presiding bishop to 
organize it into a Methodist Episcopal Church. The request was not 
granted however. 

In March 1883 the members again appealed to Bishop Mallalieu, 
to assist them in their endeavors to secure organization as a 
church. As a result, at the session of the New England conference 
held in April, at which Bishop Bowman presided, a petition was pre- 
sented requesting the conference to recognize the City Point Church. 
As a result the City Point Methodist PIpiscopal Association ceased to 
exist in 1883, its petition was recognized, and the present church society 
took form, Rev. Charles Tilton being assigned to the church. Shortly 
after his appointment a lot of land was purchased, bounded by p:merson, 
E and East Fifth Streets, and a few years later, during the pastorate of 
Rev. G. H. Perkins, a church building was erected on the site of the 
present structure. The subsequent histor)' deals of constant growth 
and development. 

Rev. Joseph Candlin served as rector from 1887 to 1889 and 
he was followed by Rev. M. H. A. Evans, who served from 1889 to 
1892, and from 1892 to 1897 Rev. W. A. Wood had charge of the con- 
gregation, and he was succeded by Rev. W. A. Thurston, who was 
appointed in 1897. During Rev. W. A. Thurston's pastorate the 



IIISTORV OF SOl'TII HosroN. 



,«5 



present structure assumed form. It is in reality the old church, en- 
larged by adding a steeple and gables, raising the entire building and 
putting in a basement. 

Rev. W. A. Thurston remained as rector until 1899 when he was 
succeeded by Rev. W. A. Mayo, the present rector. 

Rev. William A. Mayo was born in Portland, Me., Nov. i, 1854, 
and was educated in the public schools of that city, and also at Boston 
University. As a member of the New Hampshire conference he served 
as rector in churches in Sandwich, Warren, Salem and Derry, N. H. 
Coming to Massachu- 
setts in 1895 he was 
for four years rector 
of the church in Matta- 
pan, then for one year 
at Newton Upper l^'alls 




REV, W A, MAYO, 



CITY POINT M E. CHURCH 
East Fifth and L Stiee's, 



and on April i, 1900, he was assigned to the City Point Church where 
he has since been located. Rev. Mr. Mayo gives all his time to the 
welfare of his church and congregation, is devoted to his work and his 
efforts are appreciated by those under his care. 



Dorchester Street M. K. Church. — Dorchester Street. 

This church grew from a small band of Methodists who had settled 
in Washington Village previous to 1870 and who, in that year, assembled 
for the purpose of organizing a Sunday-school class. At the first meet- 
ing, which was held in a little store on Dorchester Street, arrangements 
were perfected and James Morse was chosen superintendent. 

The growth was so rapid that Washington Hall was secured to 
accommodate the class. In 1872 the matter of a church organization 



;86 



inSTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



was first broached and shortly afterward an organization was perfected 

and Rev. James A. Ames 
was called to minister to 
the flock. 

In 1874-75 the need 
of a chapel was felt, and 
through the efforts of the 
parishioner s, e n o 11 g h 
money was raised for this 
purpose, and under the di- 
rection of Rev. George P. 
Wilson, then rector, and a 
committee, the structure 
was erected on the site of 
the present church. 

This answered all i)ur- 
poses until 1900 when the 
chapel was moved to the 
rear of the lot and the 
present structure was erec- 
ted, the buildings being 
connected in such a way 
as to form one structure. 
Among those who have 
served as rectors, besides 
those already mentioned, 
were Rev. James Yeames, 

Rev. A. H. Nazarian, Rev. William Full, Rev. A. R. Nichols and the 

present rector. Rev. Edward Higgins. 

St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church. — U'rs/ Broadway. 

The present St. John's Church was known in its early history as 
the D Street M. E. Church, the congregation having, in early days, 
worshipped in the building at the corner of D and Silver Streets, known 
as Centenary Chapel. This was the first permanent place of worship 
of the Methodists of South Boston, for, previous to the erection of this 
building in 1839, f^ey met at various residences and in halls. In the 
early sixties a division occurred and those who branched from the origi- 
nal church, erected the building at Dorchester and Silver Streets, now 
occupied by the Presbyterians. 

The members of the D Street Church decided in 1868 to erect a 
new building, and the present site was purchased and the work pro- 
gressed until September of that year, when a terrific gale almost com- 
pletely demolished the building, which was more than half completed. 
Though this catastrophe brought an additional expense of between 
$18,000 and $20,000 on the members, the work continued and the 




DORCHESTER ST. M. E CHURCH 



HIS TOR V OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



387 



church was completed the toUowhig 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

In the meantime the other 
branch, which had taken the 
name of the Dorchester Street 
M. E. Church, had been wor- 
shipping in its edifice and con- 
tinued to do so up to 1885, 
when it consolidated with the 
St. John's Church and both 
have worshipped together since 
that time. 

The first sermon in the origi- 
nal church was delivered by Rev. 
Abel Stevens. The rectors who 
have ofificiated at the three 
churches were : Rev. ]. S. 
Thomas, Rev. J. H. Owen, Rev. 
E. W. Virgin, Rev. N. Stutson, 
Rev. Wm. Butler, Re\-. J. C. 
Smith, Rev. Wm. McDonald. 



year. It was then called St. John's 





CENTENARY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 
1840. 



Rev. Jesse Wagner, Re\'. 
N. T. Whittaker, Rev. G. 
L. Col Iyer, Rev. A. E. 
Wright, Rev. Mr. Allen. 
Rev. Mr. Howe, Rev. L. B. 
Bates, Rev. Mr. Eield, 
Rev. J. L. Hanaford, Rev. 
J. H. Twombly, D.D., 
Rev. C. A. Crawford, 
Rev. Joseph H. Mansfield, 
Rev. William E. Mallilieu, 




bT, JOHN b M E Church 

West Broadkva/. 



REV. GEORGE SKENE. 



388 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Rev. Mark Trafton, Rev. Mr. Liford, Rew S. L. Baldwin, Rev. L. A. 
Banks, Rev. W. T. Perrin, Rev. R. L. Greene, Rev. Frederick II. 
Knight and Rev. George Skene. 

Rev. George Skene was born in England, August 3, 1846, 
being a son of John and Anna Dolby Skene. He received his early 
education there and on coming to the United States entered the Hud- 
son River Institute, Claverac, N. Y., and later Wesleyan University, 
Middleton, Conn. 

His career in the ministry has been a long one. He entered the 
ministry in Troy Conference in 1874. His first pastorate was at 
Adams, Mass., where he remained two years, then Hoosick Falls, N. Y. 
three years, Trinity Church, Tro}', N. Y. three years, Pittsfield First 
Church three years, First Church, Somerville five years, Harvard Street 
Church, Cambridge five years, Winthrop Street Church, Roxbury two 
years. While at the latter church, failing health compelled him to 
take a prolonged rest, after which he assumed the pastorate of St. John's 
Church, October i, 1901. 

Rev. Mr. Skene is married and resides at 5 i 5 East Broadway. 

Broadway Universalist Church. — East Broadway. 

The original house of worship of the Universalists of South Boston 
still stands at the corner of Broadway and B Street. Previous to its 
erection in 1832, however, meetings and services had been conducted in 
the homes of various members, and in Lyceum Hall which stood at 
the corner of Broadway and E Street. 

The church was organized in 1830 as the P'ourth Universalist 
Church of Boston. Soon after Rev. Benjamin Whittemore, of Troy, 
N. Y., was secured as its first rector and matters progressed well. 

Land was secured at B Street and West Broadway, two years later 
the first church was erected, and on April 10, 1833 it was dedicated. 
Here the congregation worshipped until the late sixties when it erected 
the present house of worship and occupied it in 1868. In 1872 the 
church was reorganized and its present name adopted. 

Among those who have administered to the wants of the congrega- 
tion are : Rev. Benjamin Whittemore, Rev. Theodore Cook, Rev. 
Calvin Damon, Rev. W. W. Dean, Rev. J. S. Cantwell, Rev. I. Knowl- 
ton, Rev. J. J. Lewis, Rev. I. P. Ouimby and the present rector Rev. 
Alfred J. Cardall. 

Rev. Alfred J. Cardall was born in London, luig., June 5, 1861, 
being a son of Henry and Jane Cardall. His early education was 
received in the schools of London. 

On coming to the United States in 1881 he went west and learned 
the trade of a pattern maker and for a time was in charge of this work 
in various places in Bay City, Michigan. He came east again in 1891 
and entered Tufts College, graduating from there in 1895 with the 
degree of B. D. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH IIOSTON. 



J' 



S9 



In September 1895 he came to South Boston t(^ accept the pas- 
torate of the Broadway Universahst Church, where he has been ever 
since. Rev. Mr. Cardall 
married Miss Nelhe May 
Hiding- of Valley Falls, R. 
I., in 1 90 1, and resides on 
East Fourth Street near M 
Street. He is general sec- 
retary of the Young 
Peoples' Christian Union 
of the Universahst denom- 
ination, director of the 
New luigland Sabbath Pro- 
tective League, director 





REV. A J, CARDALL. 



BROADWAY UNIVERSALIS! CHURCH, 
East B'oad^ay. 



and vice-president of the Universahst Sabbath School Union, president 
of the Boston Universahst Ministers' Association and chaplain of St. 
Paul's Lodge F. and A. M. 



Hawes Unitarian Congregational Church. — East Broadzvay. 

\\\ the year 1807, Mr. John Hawes, one of South Boston's earliest 
and most benevolent citizens, set aside the lot of land at the junction of 
East Fourth and Emerson, near K Street, with the intention of reserv- 
ing it as a church site for the benefit of the residents who were com- 
pelled to go to Dorchester to attend services. 

Shortly afterward a movement was started to secure a church 
society and Mr. Hawes joined with his neighbors, and in 18 10 a one- 
story wooden building was erected, east of Dorchester Heights, facing 
on the old road and not far from the present edifice. 

This structure was about forty feet long and twenty feet wide and, 



;90 



HISTORY OP^ SOUTH BOSTON. 



though roughly finished, answered its purpose as a temporary place of 
worship. Rev. Thomas Pierce of Meriden was the first rector, remain- 
ing for two years, and he was succeeded by Rev. Zephaniah Wood of 
Lunenburg. 

An excellent growth soon made the place of worship inadequate 
and it was enlarged in 1818, by an addition of some twenty feet, making 
it about sixty feet long, which resulted in it being termed " the rope 
walk," the building having that appearance. On February 19. 1818 
the society was incorporated as the ' Hawes Place Congregational 
Society. 

Ihe following year, 
May 13, a meeting was 
held to consider the exped- 
iency of organizing as a 
church society, and it was 
voted that Rev. Mr. Wood 
take such measures as shall 
be requisite to effect this 
object. As a result a meet- 
ing was held October 27, 
1 8 19 and this object was 





REV. JAMES HUXTABLE, 



HAWES UNITARIAN CHURCH, 
East Bioadway 



effected. Rev. Dr. Porter was elected moderator and performed 
devotional exercises and administered baptism to several. Rev. Dr. 
Harris was chosen scribe, and preached, while Rev. Mr. Norton gave 
the right hand of fellowship to Rev. Mr. Wood who had been deputed 
to receive it for the church. 

On November 15, 18 19 the first meeting of the church was held 
at the home of Mr. John Hawes at which time Mr. Wood was chosen 
clerk and Isaac Thom and Thomas Hammond deacons. Mr. Wood 
was not permitted to continue long in his office for in August 1822 he 



HISTORY OK SOUTH liOSTOxX. 39 1 

was taken ill with fever and died, October 26, at the at;"e of thirty-one 
years. 

During the illness of Rev. Mr. Wood, I\ev. Lemuel Capen of Dor- 
chester took charge of affairs and on the death of the former Rev. Mr. 
Capen became rector, through a vote of the society at a meeting held 
January 28, 1823. He was also made clerk of the church at a meeting 
held March 23, of the same year. 

On January 22, 1829 Mr. John Hawes, one of the founders of the 
church and who had given it the land for the erection of a new church, 
died, much to the regret of all who knew him. 

In the following year plans were made for the erection of a struc- 
ture on this land and it was dedicated January i, 1833. This structure 
was a wooden edifice 60x46 feet, surmounted by a belfry and having" a 
seating capacit}' of about 500. 

A second society was formed and the present handsome structure 
was erected and was dedicated in 1873, Rev. George A. Thayer being 
the first minister of the new church, which was known as the Second 
Hawes Place Congregational Church. l^^:)r a number of years both 
churches were conducted separately. In 1887, by authority of the 
Supreme Court, the old society joined the Broadway Church and in 
1889 the old name, Hawes Place Congregational Society, gave way to 
the Hawes Unitarian Congregational Church. It is a free church and 
is supported principally by the " John Hawes Fund." 

This new edifice has a frontage of 70 feet and a depth of i 52 feet 
6 inches. There are two entrances in the front projection and two on 
the westerly side. The exterior walls are of brick with trimmings of 
sandstone in two colors. The front central projection is carried up into 
a steep gable and from the northwest corner of the projection rises the 
spire to a height of i 30 feet. 

Rev. Lemuel Capen continued to preside over the old church until 
1839 when he resigned and was succeeded by Rev. Charles C. Shack- 
ford who was rector from May 19, 1841 until May 1843. He in turn 
was succeeded by Rev. George W. Lippitt, May 9, 1844 to fanuary i, 
1851. 

Some time elapsed before the society selected another permanent 
pastor. This was Rev. Thomas Dawes who accepted the pastorate 
May 21, 1854. The following year the church was entirely renovated 
and many improvements were made. 

Here the members worshipped for many years during which time 
various rectors cared for the flock. Rev. James J. Hewes succeeding 
Rev. Thomas Dawes, and he was followed in turn by Rev. Frederick 
Hinckley, Rev. George A. Thayer, Rev. Herman Bisbee, Rev. John 
F. Dutton, Rev. Charles B. PLlder and the present rector, Rev. James 
Huxtable. 

Rev. James Huxtable, the present rector, was born in Bristol, 
P^ngland in i 849, and received his early education there. He came to 
the United States in 1869 ^'^cl shortly after entered the Whitestown 



\9- 



HISTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Seminary from which he graduated in 1873. His theological education 
he received privately. He was ordained as a minister of the Free 
Baptist faith, in the church of that denomination at Buffalo, N. Y., in 
1874. Shortly before his ordination he married Miss Helen E. Young, 
of Columbia, N. Y. Their married life has been blessed with four 
children, two boys and two girls. 

Rev. Mr. Huxtable's first pastorate was the Unitarian Church of 
Our Father, at Newburg N. Y. He was next called by the First 
Unitarian Society of Hyde Park, Mass., where he remained for six 
years, resigning in 1890 to accept the pastorate of the Hawes Unitarian 
Congregational Church where he has been ever since. 

He is chaplain of Rabboni Lodge and an honorary member of 
Gate of the Temple Lodge, F. & A. M. 



Fourth Presbyterian Church. — DorcJicstcr Street. 
It was in 1870 that this church was started and since that time it 



has worshipped in four places, 
in a hall on West Broadway 
near D Street, and later in 
Wait's Hall. It was here, De- 
cember 30, 1870, that the 
church was organized with a 
membership of twenty-nine. 



When first started meetings were held 





REV. JOHN KIRKPATRICK, 



FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
SiKer and Dorchester Sts. 



During 1874, land was purchased on East P'ourth Street, near H 
Street, and a small wooden church was erected. Here services were 
held until December 1885, when the Presbyterians ))urchased the pres- 
ent church from the St. John's M. E. Society, the latter having moved 
into the brick edifice it now occupies on Broadway. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



lot 



The first rector was Rev. Charles Naisniith, September 1870 to 
March 1871, and he was followed by Rev. J. H. Angier, (through whose 
efforts Rev. Dr. George H. Gordon was educated for the ministry), 
1 87 1 to 1874 ; Rev. William M. Baker, May 1874 to September 1876 ; 
Rev. William H. Sybrant, June 1879 to March 1882 : Rev. Andrew 
Burrows, November 1884 to October 1890. It will be seen that it was 
during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. l:5urrows that the present church was 
secured and occupied tor the first time, he being the last rector in the 
old church and the first in the present. 

Those who followed him were Rev. Frank Haven Hinman, Sep- 
tember 1 891 to April 1894 (who died after a brief illness) ; Rev. M. S. 
Hartwell from December 1894 to June 30, 1896; Rev. Charles J. 
Cameron, M. A., 1896 to 1901, at which time the present rector, Rev. 
John Kirkpatrick, accepted the call. 

Rev. John Kirkpatrick is a native of Ulster, Ire., and one of nine 
children of John and Margaret A. Kirkpatrick. He attended the Royal 
Academical Institution, Belfast, and entered Queen's College, Belfast, 
1 86 1, began his theological course at Assembly's College, Belfast, 
1864, finishing his studies and being licensed to preach in 1867. 

His first pastorate was the First Presbyterian Church, Newton, 
Hamilton Co., Armagh, Ire., followed by the United Presbyterian 
Church, New York City, Cookes' Church, Toronto, Ont., Westminster 
Church, Philadelphia. He later returned to New York city and was 
called to his present pastorate from there. 

He is a member of the Boston Presbytery and the Boston Minis- 
terial Union and has been associated with various other bodies in the 
various places where he has resided in the past. He was also editor 
for a time of the Protestant Standard. 

Though one of South Boston's most recent rectors Mr. Kirkpatrick 
has already become popular, particularly with his flock. 

Cemeteries. 

W'ith the exception of St. Augustine's Cemetery, there is not a 
place in South Boston, at the present time, used for burial purposes. 
Seventy-five years ago, though the population was extremely 
scanty, there were no less than five cemeteries. Time, the effective 
eraser of all things, has brought about the disappearance of two of these 
places, St. Matthew's Church Cemetery and the Boston Cemetery. 
Three cemeteries still remain, the Hawes Burying Ground, St. 
Augustine's Cemetery and the Union Cemetery. 

Hawes Burying Ground. — It was not until some years after 
the annexation, that the Hawes Cemetery came into existence. In 
the annexation act of 1804 a proviso was made that three lots of land 
should be set apart for public use as follows: — one lot for a public 
market place, one for a schoolhouse and one for a burial ground, all 
of which were to be acceptable to the selectmen of the town of Boston. 



194 



TIISTOKV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




HAWES AND UNION CEMETERIES 
Emeison and East Fifth Sts 



Before the city called for the fulfilment of this proviso, John Hawes, 

whose name is familiar to all South Boston, through his man)- gifts 

conveyed to a committee of the 

inhabitants of South Boston, on 

October 12, 1 816, a lot of land 

on the Old Road (now Emerson 

Street) leading to the Point 

with the understanding it was to 

be used as a bur}ing ground for 

the inhabitants. 

This lot was bounded as 
follows: — northerly one hun- 
dred and nine feet on the " (31d 
Road," easterly one hundred 
feet, southerly one hundred and 
nine feet on land of Abra- 
ham Gould, and westerly one 
hundred feet on land of the heirs of Col. Ebenezer Clap. This lot 
included a little over one-quarter of an acre, facing on the Old Road 
and running about two-thirds of the way through to what is now East 
Fifth Street. 

The lot was accepted, and though the Board of Health did not 
sanction its use until March 12, 1S21, it was used previous to that 
time. Seven tombs were erected on the westerly side and all were 
used, although, like St. Augustine's Cemeterv, the more general mode 
of burial was in graves. 

Ihe Hawes Burying Ground, as it is commonly called, presents 
an impressive appearance. The westerly side is shut off by a granite 
wall against which are built the tombs, and scattered throughout the 
yard are numerous headstones marking off the graves, and in some 
cases iron posts, from which are suspended chains, perform a similar 
service. The whole lot is shaded b)' magnificent trees. 

St. Augustine's Cemeterv. — The early records of the town of 
Boston fail to indicate that there was ever a burial ground set aside for 
Catholics, and it was not until fourteen years after South Boston had 
been annexed to Boston, that any such record appears. This was 
when Bishop John Cheverus purchased, in the year 181 8, the land that 
now constitutes St. Augustine's Cemetery. This land was purchased 
in lots from Zachariah G. Whitney and Jonathan Mason, the deeds 
being recorded December 9, 181 8, March 27, 18 19 and April 5, 1822, 
and by an order of the selectmen, and under the direction of the Board 
of Health, St. Augustine's Cemetery was established. 

The property constituted a lot of land with a frontage of one hun- 
dred and fifteen feet southerly on Dorchester Street, being bounded on 
the east by Sixth Street and on the west by Tudor Street, running 
through to F Street, having the same frontage on this tiioroughfare as 
on Dorchester Street. 



HISTORY OF SOUTIf IIOSTON. 



395 



Immediately after its purchase a small brick buildinii;, later used 
as a chapel, was erected, and it was within this structure that the 
remains of the Rev. Francis Anthony Matii;non, for twenty-six years 
pastor of the Church of the IIol)- Cross, a P^rench exile, and one of the 
earliest Catholics in Boston, were interred. 








ST. AUGUSTINE'S CEMETERY, 
Fiom F Street — Sliowing Dorchester Street Gate. 



Shortly after its purchase, a high wooden fence was erected on all 
four sides, shutting out effectively the view from the street. As this 
was evidently the first Catholic cemetery it was not long before it was 
being used extensively. The little structure within was later used for 
worship by the Catholics, being consecrated by Bi.shop Fenwick in 
1833. Since its erection the remains of many prominent members of 
the Catholic clergy have been interred in the little chapel. 

There are very few tombs in the cemetery, as the popular method 
of burial was in graves, and all the available space within the enclosure 
was taken many years ago. Many of these graves are marked with 
headstones, as a rule bearing lengthy epitaphs. Besides the ordinary 
headstones there are many large and elaborate monuments. 

One of the most prominent of these is the one that stands before 
the little chapel erected to the memory of the Rev. Dr. T. J. O'Flaherty, 
who, through his religious controversy with Rev. Dr. Lyman Beecher, 
became prominent, through his exceptional ability. ■ 

Among the many other clergyman buried in the cemetery may be 
mentioned Rev. John Mahoney, a curate of the church of the Holy 
Cross, who for several years conducted services in St. Augustine's 
chapel and who died December 29, 1839. Next to this grave lie the 
remains of Rev. I'atrick Byrne who was ordained in 1820, the first 
priest to be ordained in Boston. He was the first rector of old St. 
Mary's Church, Charlestown, which was dedicated in 1829. Father 



396 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Byrne had the distinction of being one of two priests who were in Bos- 
ton when Bishop Fenwick came here in 1825, the other being Vicar 
General WilHam Taylor. Father Byrne died in 1844. 

Beneath a large tomb table of granite, at the left of the chapel, the 
remains of Rev. Thomas Lynch are interred. He was the first rector 
of old St. Patrick's Church on Northampton Street and for a time was 
associated with Rev. Fr. Mahoney in directing affairs of St. Augustine's 
chapel. He died March 27, 1870. 

A short distance from here the remains of Rev. James Maguire, 
who for many years was associated with the old Cathedral and who 
died March 5, 1850, are interred. A short distance beyond this grave 
is the resting place of the remains of Rev. John D. Brady who died in 
October i 847. 

Among those of the pioneer laity are the parents and sister of 
Bishop Fitzpatrick, the parents of Archbishop John J. Williams, whose 
remains occupy one grave marked by a single headstone, and the parents 
and uncle of the late Patrick Donahoe. Mr. and Mrs. Tobias Boland, 
parents of Rev. John B. F. Boland and Rev. Leo P. Boland, whose 
remains are interred in the chapel, are buried here. 

John Magner, who was one of the original committee formed in 
1799 to raise funds for the first church and in whose tomb in the Old 
Granary Burying Ground the body of Rev. F"r. Matignon was placed 
until St. Augustine's Chapel was ready to receive it, is another whose 
remains rest here. In the same lot the body of Robert Magner, his 
nephew, one of the principal donors to the fund for the erection of the 
first church, and who died in 1823, are buried. 

Among the other graves are those of Patrick Mooney, exiled from 
Ireland in 1798 and who for 25 years was sexton of the Cathedral, and 
Thomas Murray the first sexton of the old chapel. The parents of 
Rev. Denis Mahoney of the Working Boys' Home of Chicago, the 
grandparents of the late Judge M. J. McCafferty, the wife and 
parents of Hon John B. Martin, the family of Mrs. Fallon, wife of 
Judge Joseph D. Fallon, Prof. M. J. Mooney who was a prominent 
organist, Mr. P. J. Mullin, Mr. J. M. Maguire, who for many years 
was sexton of St. Augustine's Church and who died at the age of 82 
years in 1882, the parents of Assistant Chief John A. Mullen, B. F. D., 
Jackson Macdonald, the father, and Mrs. Margaret Wall, the grand- 
mother of A. F., Dr. Wm. G., li. A. and F. X. Macdonald, the parents 
and grandmother of Matthew J. Mullen, members of the family of 
Edward ¥. Meany, J. A. Mahoney, the Madigan family and Mrs. James 
J. Flynn, all lie buried here. 

William Sommers and his wife Ann, Mr. Lavery and his wife 
Ann, and P'rancis and Elizabeth Lavery, representing three genera- 
tions, are buried here, the fourth and fifth generations being repre- 
sented in the family of Mr. John W. Lavery of Dorchester Street. 
Ex-Alderman James Powers, father of Miss Elizabeth Powers, president 



HISTORY OF SOUTH JIOSTON. 397 

of the Young Ladies' Charitable Association, is buried in a tomb in a 
corner of the cemetery. 

Another grave of note is that of Mrs. Celeste Robin Delogny, 
widow of John Noel Destrehan, who came from the south early in the 
nineteenth century and who was noted for her many charitable acts. 
Her grave is marked by a conspicuous stone upon which is inscribed 
the fact that she was attended in her last illness by Rev. Vr. Taylor, 
who was vicar-general and administrator of the diocese 1823-25. Others 
who found a last resting place in this cemetery are Lieut. Thomas 
Mooney quartermaster 9th Mass. Volunteers, died March 29, 1863, 
Lieut. Nicholas Barrett 28th Mass. Volunteers, killed in the battle of 
Antietam, September 17, 1862, Rev. John D. Brady and his 
brother James Brady, John and other members of the Lappen family, 
Nicholas Thornton, ex-Alderman Christopher Connor and his wife 
Ellen, Patrick McGrady and his wife Ann, James Driscoll and his wife 
Johanna, Michael and John Flanagan, Patrick and Ann Lappen, John 
Bralley, William Gleeson and J. Gleeson and members of their families, 
Timothy Nunan and Jeremiah Harrington, old sextons of St. Augus- 
tine's Chapel, Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. White and six children, and 
many others. 

The ravages of time and weather are strongly visible in the little 
cemetery, where many of the stones have been injured and in many 
cases the inscriptions wholly or partially worn off. 

As every lot was disposed of years ago, only those who have rela- 
tives buried in the cemetery are in possession of deeds. As far back 
as 1850 an oridnance was passed prohibiting further interments in the 
cemetery, but on the case being tested it was found that the act was 
illegal. 

Besides the many priests mentioned who have been buried in the 
cemetery, the greater number of the pioneer clergy are buried beneath 
the sanctuary of the little chapel, reference to which is made in the 
history of St. xAugustme's Chapel, mentioned in another section of this 
volume. 

While services were held in the chapel considerable care and atten- 
tion was given the cemetery, but after the chapel fell into disuse, the 
cemetery and chapel gradually fell into a neglected state and for a time 
were in a much decayed and neglected condition. 

In June, 1892, through the efforts of those who had members of 
their families interred there, an association was formed with one object 
in view, — the care and preservation of both chapel and cemetery. 

This body took the name of St. Augustine's Cemetery Improve- 
ment Association its otificers being. Rev. Dennis O'Callaghan D. D. 
P. R., president. Chief John A. Mullen treasurer, and Misses Delia 
Mullen, Pollen Murtagh and Margaret Crowley secretaries. The mem- 
bership comprises all those who have relatives interred in the chapel or 
cemetery. 

Immediately after its formation the work of restoring the place 
began and it is to this association that the present beautiful appearance 



39^ HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

of the old cemetery and chapel are due. Funds were secured through 
monthly assessments and donations and from social events given by the 
association. With this money grave-stones were placed in their origi- 
nal positions, the grounds properly cleaned and other matters attended 
to. The most extensive piece of work was the erection of a neat stone 
wall surmounted by an iron picket fence, with entrances on Dorchester 
and F Streets, each of which are surmounted by a fancy iron arch bear- 
ing the words, " St. Augustine's Cemetery." 

The most recent interment of a person of prominence was that the 
venerable and patriotic Irishman, Patrick Donahoe, who died March 17, 
1 90 1, at the age of 90 years and who was buried here March 20, 1901. 

Union Cemetery. — Though this burying-ground . was the latest 
of the several to be set apart, it is not commonly known either by loca- 
tion or name. It is the smallest lot that was ever set apart in this 
district. This lot was sold by the trustees of the Warren Association 
to Adam Bent of South Boston October 30, 1841. It fronts on p:ast 
Mfth street one hundred and ten feet, and is bounded on the east by 
the land of the association fifty-five feet, on the north by the Hawes 
Burying ground one hundred and eleven feet, and on the west by land 
formerly of Jonathan Phillips forty-three feet. 

Situated as it is, the Union Cemetery immediately adjoining the 
Hawes Burying Ground, separated onl)- by an iron fence, the two have 
the appearance of one, and combined they are often referred to as the 
Hawes Burying Ground. 

Most of the space in the yard was devoted to tombs, fifteen having 
been originally erected and besides these there are five burial lots. 



CHAPTER X. 

S()C1ETIES AND ClUBS. 

Numerous organizations and societies in the district — Yacht Clubs — South Boston 
Citizens' Association — City Point Catholic Association — South Boston Republi- 
can Club — Shavvmut Rowing Club — St. Augustine's Lyceum — Cycle Clubs — 
Dahlgren Post 2, G. A. R. — Washington Post 32 G. A. R. — Other Veteran Or- 
ganizations — Charitable Associations — Fraternal and secret societies. 

IT i.s a well known fact that South Boston has many and various or- 
ganizations and societies, from the small club of a private, social or 
literary nature, to the large and influential organizations such as the 
Masons, Knights of Columbus and Odd Fellows. 

The district has some of the finest and best managed clubs in the 
state, including, in the number, several yacht, political, social and frater- 
nal organizations, many of them occupying excellent quarters. 

The Boston Yacht Ci.li;. — This organization has the distinc- 
tion of being the second yacht club organized in Boston or vicinity and 
is, today, the oldest club of its kind. In 1834 the first yacht club was 
organized, but ended its existence in 1837. From that time until the 
organization of Boston Yacht Club in 1866, there was no such club in 
or about Boston. In the latter year a party of gentlmen banded them- 
selves together for the purpose of starting a yacht club, and incidentally 
to promote a social feeling among yachtsmen, and two years later, the 
body thus organized, secured a charter, the Boston Yacht Club being 
thus the first organization of its kind to be chartered in this state. 

Its growth was remarkable, for, within ten years, the membership 
grew to 250 and there were eighty yachts enrolled under the club pen- 
nant. Considerable propert}' was acquired during this time and an 
excellent club-house was constructed on a pier that extended into Dor- 
chester Bay, between O and P Streets. This house was occupied until 
the advent of the Strandway, when the Park Commissioners provided 
locations for all the yacht clubs and the present handsome and com- 
modious house was erected. 

South Boston Yacht Clup.. — February 5, 1868, the year that 
the Boston Yacht Club was chartered, the South Boston Yacht Club 
was organized, with John Greer as commodore, and, starting with but 
a few members, it had a rapid and strong growth, and, nine years after 
its birth it was incorporated. It then had forty-four yachts enrolled and 
a membership of 1 39. 

A clubhouse had, in the meantime, been erected on land pur- 
chased at the foot of K Street, the structure costing $500. February 
7, 1872 the building was moved to East Sixth Street, near O Street, 
where better facilities were offered for yachting. The first open 



400 



HISrORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



regatta of the club was held on Memorial Day, 1877, and since then 
has been an annual event. 




GROUP OF CLUBHOUSES ON THE STRANDWAY. 
Coiumiha Yacht Club. Puritan Canoe Club, Boston Yacht Club, 

Owing to the rapid growth experienced by this club, it was again 
found necessary, in 1886, to improve their accommodations and the club- 
house was enlarged extensively and completely remodelled at a cost of 
^2500, and dedicated April 7, 1886. 

Matters then progressed successfully, and with but few changes 
until 1899, when, through the advanced work on the Strand way, a 
change in location was necessary and the clubhouse had to be demol- 
ished, its site being within the lines of this 
magnificent boulevard. In return for the 
land the city granted a new location fur- 
ther south and weat, with a water front of 
200 feet, the lot 100 feet deep, but insisted 
on the construction of a building to cost, 
not less than $15,000. The money was 
raised on bonds and work on what is now 




SOUTH BOSTON YACHT CLUB, 



COMMODORE SIMON GOLDSMITH. 
South Boston Yacht Cu.b. 



the magnificent headquarters of the club was commenced, and has cost 
$19,000. 

Through its ever increasing membership, this year(i90i)it has 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



401 



been found necessary to add a large wing, which, besides providing 
additional locker room, allows tor a billiard room and bowling alleys, 
and the two large rooms in the main building are used for a lounging 
room and library. Besides these there are the reading room, ladies' 
reception room, spacious corridors, and a system of 103 lockers, while the 
roof garden, from which a delightful view of the bay and vicinity max 
be had, is a feature which cannot be equalled by any other club. 

The membership of the South Boston Yacht Club is something 
over 350 and there are 150 yachts enrolled. 

Commodore Simon Goldsmith, at present at the head of this well 
known organization, is a thorough yachtsman, and not only a great 
lover of the sport but an adept in the building and management of all 
pleasure craft. His flagship, the Pleasure, one of the best equipped 
steam yachts in the bay, was built by himself and is ably managed by 
him, on long or short trips. He has been elected commodore three 
successive years and during that time the club has made rapid strides, 
increasing greatly in membership so that the house had to be enlarged. 
Commodore Goldsmith is a resident of Roxbury, where he is quite 
prominent and owner of a large amount of propert}'. 

Mosquito Fueet Yacht Club. — With the object in view of 
racing and sailing small boats, there came into existence, August 8, 
1888, another yacht club, that today, like those previously mentioned, 
is quite prominent on the Atlantic 
seaboard. This is the Mosquito 
Pdeet Yacht Club. It has ever had 
the reputation of being one of the 
most energetic racing organizations 
in this vicinity. Like its predeces- 





MOSQUITO FLEET YACHT CLUB, 
Foot of K Street. 



COMMODORE CHARLES P, MOONEY. 



sors it started with but a few members, but its growth was rapid, and 
the year following its organization, with a membership of less than fifty, 
the first clubhouse was built, and occupied in April of that year. It 



402 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

occupied a site on the beach west of K Street not a great distance 
from the location of the present building. 

Under the successive managements of Commodores Wells, Cher- 
rington, Bertram, Powers and Mooney it has made remarkable strides 
and in 1893 the clubhouse was enlarged. In February 1897 the pres- 
ent board of officers assumed control, with Commodore Charles P. 
Mooney at the head, and they were immediately compelled to face the 
problem of erecting a new building for their own convenience and also 
in compliance with the wish of the Park Commissioners. The latter body 
granted a site, after some delay, the old clubhouse was moved to the 
present location, thoroughly overhauled, enlarged and remodelled, until 
the present spacious and comfortable structure had assumed form. It 
is three stories high, with commodious verandas on all sides, with 
billiard and pool, lounging and reception rooms, besides a large dance 
hall, bowling alleys and magnificent locker facilities. The membership 
at the present time is close on to 300 and there are many yachts, large 
and small, owned by the members. 

Commodore Charles P. Mooney, real estate and insurance business, 
is a City Point boy, born in 1870 of Patrick and Margaret Mooney. 
His early education was in the Tuckerman and the Lincoln Schools and 
after the three years' course at the PInglish High School he graduated 
with high honors. For eight years he was with one of the largest in- 
surance offices in the city, serving as cashier and fire clerk for two 
years and afterward special agent for New P^ngland, settling fire losses 
and inspecting business. In October 1892 he formed a partnership 
with Thomas W. Flood, under the firm name of Flood and Mooney, and 
for eight years conducted a large business on West Broadway near Dor- 
chester St. This partnership was dissolved January i, 1901, and then 
Mr. Mooney leased, for a long term of years, his present quarters in the 
remodelled building, 445 West Broadway. Mr. Mooney is unmarried and 
lives at 713 P^ast 5th St. Ever interested in young men's organizations, 
he was one of the organizers of the City Point Catholic Association, 
being clerk of the corporation that effected the organization, and 
served as its first secretary for two years. He has ever been an 
enthuasiast in co-operative savings and was a charter member of the 
Mt. Washington Co-operative Bank and has served as its secretary and 
treasurer since it started in 1893. Mr. Mooney has also been commo- 
dore of the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club for the last five years, during 
which time that organization has made rapid strides. He is also a 
member of the Knights of Columbus and Royal Arcanum. 

CoLUMiiiA Yacht Club. — It was in March, 1896, that the Colum- 
bia Yacht Club came into existence. Though younger than the other 
similar organizations, it has enrolled among its members many of the 
older boat owners and yachtsmen of the vicinity. 

Shortly after starting, club quarters were secured in the large 
wooden building on East Sixth Street, at the foot of P Street, formerly 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



403 



occupied by the Commonwealth Yacht Club, which had then become 
extinct. May 21, 1896, after the interior of the house had been 
arranged and everything was in readiness, there was a reception and 
house-warming, illuminations, band concert and a collation being feat- 
ures of the event. 

In July, 1896, the club received its charter from the state. Its 
membership grew rapidly, and soon there were several yachts enrolled 
in the club. The Strandway caused this club the same trouble the 
others experienced, and notice was received from the Park Commis- 
sioners that it would have to move, owing to being within the lines of 
the boulevard. 

In the fall of 1898 a meeting was held to consider the construc- 
tion of a new house, and IMessrs. 
Joseph E. Doherty, A. E. Justice and 
A. S. Roberts were appointed trus- 
tees and empowered to build a new 
house on the location granted by 
the Park Commissioners. Necessary 
funds were quickly raised, and work 
on the new house was soon under 
way. Bonds were issued, which 
were at once taken by the members, 
and the new building was dedicated 
in September, 1899, ^t which time 
the public had an opportunity to in- 
spect it. It is a commodious struc- 
ture, with reception, smoking and 
lounging rooms, besides a spacious 
and well arranged hall and extensive 
and well arranged lockers. Ver- 
andas on the water side and balconies 
on the other sides offer excellent 
places for observation. 

The membership now is quite large and constantly increasing, 
many fine boats being enrolled, and the members enjoy the winter 
evenings with bowling, whist and cribbage contests. 

Commodore Joseph E. Doherty is one of the most enthusiastic 
yachtsmen in Boston and has spent much of his time and money for the 
advancement of the sport. He has been the owner of many fast boats 
notably the Pearly Dawn, one of the finest boats ever in Dorchester 
Bay. On the reorganization of che Columbia Yacht Club Mr. 
Doherty was among the foremost in the advocacy of the club and later, 
when the new clubhouse was proposed, took an important part, with 
Messrs. Justice and Roberts in the work. P2dward J. Powers was the 
first commodore of the new club. In 1900 Mr. Doherty was elected 
commodore and has since occupied that office to the complete satisfac- 
tion of the members. During his regime many improvements have 




COMMODORE JOSEPH E. DOHERTY, 
Columbia Yacht Club. 



404 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



been made in the house and a new building has been erected, solely for 
additional lockers, 26 in number. It is located to the east of the main 
building. 

Pl'ritax Caxoe Club. — The only open water canoe club within 
a radius of many miles of Boston is the Puritan Canoe Club, that came 
into existence in 1887. It started with but nine members, and shortly 
after organizing quarters were secured on East Sixth Street, near O 
Street. It has gradually increased in membership, and soon quite a 
fleet of canoes of all descriptions were flying the club pennant. 

As the construction of the Strandway shut off the water front, 
making the club's quarters useless, application was made for a site that 
would give it a location on the boulevard. This the Park Commis- 
sioners granted, and in May, 1899, the present handsome house was 
constructed. Though not as large as the yacht clubs, it is none the 
less comfortable and convenient for the purjjose, the lower floor being- 
used for the storage of canoes and for locker room. On the second 
floor is a comfortable halh An excellent view of the bay and vicinity 
may be had from the balcony on the water side. 

With such excellent quarters and a constantly growing member- 
ship, the club has a bright future, h^rank R. Kimball is commodore. 

South Bostox Cuiizexs' Associatiox. — Like most of the dis- 
tricts about Boston, South Boston has an organization which really 

deserves a position b}' itself, for its objects 
commend it to all true citizens, and its 
efforts have ever been for the securing of 
the best possible for the district. This 
organization is the South Boston Citizens' 
Association. 

It is an outgrowth of the City Point 
Improvement Association, which was cre- 
ated November 23, 1880, when several 
prominent residents of the district met 
and organized for the purpose of looking 
after the interests of the entire district. 

The first meeting was held at the 
studio of Walter Smith at City Point. At 
the next meeting, November 29, by a vote 
of those present, the name City Point 
Improvement Association was adopted. 
The first officers were : Francis J. Baxter, president ; Henry A. Snow, 
vice-president ; William Morris, secretary; Charles O. Crane, treasurer; 
George H. Innes, James T. Tancred and Albert F. Lauten, executive 
committee. 

Meetings were held monthly at City Point until 1893, when Gray's 
Upper Hall, the present meeting place, was secured and the first meet- 
ing held in the new quarters January 9 of that year. In Februar)-, 




JOHN H MEANS, 
Piesident So. Boston Citizens Association 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 4O5 

1893, the members voted to change the name to the South Boston Citi- 
zens' Association. The membership by this time had increased to 89. 
The growth has been steady since then, and today there are 402 mem- 
bers on the Hst, including many of the most prominent residents of the 
district. 

In its twenty-one years of existence there have been eight presi- 
dents : Francis J. Baxter, 1 880-1 881; Francis C. Hersey, 1882; 
Hon. Charles J. Noyes, 1883; the late Vincent La Forme, 1 884-1 889; 
Albert F. Lauten, ^ 890-1 891 ; Robert F. Means, 1 892-1 894; Hon. 
lohn B. Martin, i 895-1900; John H. Means, 1 901 -1902. 

A feature of the organization is the annual banquet held in observ- 
ation of Evacuation Day, the anniversary of March 17, 1776, the day on 
which the British troops left Boston as the result of Gen. Washington 
and his army building redoubts on Dorchester Heights. Though the 
association observed the event for several years, it was only in 1901 
that it succeeded in getting the city to co-operate. As a result of this, 
the day was celebrated in a memorable manner. Some of the school 
children of Boston were presented with a bronze fac-simile of the 
Washington medal. Buildings throughout the district were decorated, 
there were band concerts, fireworks and a military parade. The 
association held its annual banquet in Gray's Hail in the evening, 
the orator of the occasion being the venerable United States Senator, 
George Frisbie Hoar. 

President John H. Means was born in South Boston in 1844, being 
a descendant of Robert Means, a Scotch-Irish imigrant leader of 171 8, 
and also of Jeremy Houchin, an early selectman of Boston. His an- 
cestry runs through the families of Rev. James Allen of the First 
Church, of Francis Wells who came here in 1723 in his ship " Ye Hamp- 
stead Galley." and whose daughter Elizabeth married Samuel Adams. 
Capt. r:dward Rumney, who helped fortify Dorchester Heights, and 
whose great grandmother was a sister of Gov. William Eustis and 
great granddaughter of Nathaniel Hancock, grandfather of John Han- 
cock, are also anscestors. 

Mr. Means received his education in the Hawes School after which 
he entered business. In 1871 he married Miss Louise A. Mack. They 
have two children, Louise E., and John H. Jr. He is an active republi- 
can and did successful work for Hon. John L. Bates, in 1899, in his con- 
test for Lieutenant-Governor and was a member of the Republican 
State Committee in 1900, 1901-02. He is a 32'' Mason, having been a 
member for thirty years of St. Paul's Lodge, St. Matthew's R. A. 
Chapter, De Molay Commandery K. T. and Massachusetts Consistory. 
He is also a member of the Hawes School Boys' Association and one of 
the six survivors of the Mattapan Literary Association whose pictures 
are in the South Boston Branch Library in recognition of the gift of 
books to start this branch. 

For many years interested in the manufacture of paint, Mr. Means 



4o6 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



is of the firm of Means and Thacher, paint manufacturers, 6 and 8 
Custom House Street, Boston. 

CiTv Point Catholic Association. — One of the foremost of 
young men's organizations in the district is the City Point CathoHc 
Association located on I^ast P'ourth Street, near L Street. It was or- 
ganized April 2 1, 1890 by Rev. P. M. O'Connor, then connected with 
the Gate of Heaven Church, but now a curate at Revere. During its 
first year the association was incorporated and two years later, when 
Hon. Henry F. Xaphen was president, the present commodious and 
well appointed clubhouse, 744 P^ast P^ourth Street was leased and fitted 
up. The association has steadily grown in membership and influence, 
its young men including the leading Catholic young men of the district, 





CITY POINT CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION, 
744 East Fourth Street. 



JOSEPH A. LYONS, 
President City Po'nt Catholic Association. 



and its minstrel entertainments, concerts, dramatic performances and 
parties have been leading social events, and its private whist parties, 
ladies' nights and lectures have been largely attended and productive of 
much good. The association was chartered May 21, 1890. 

President Joseph A. Lyons is the present head of the City Point 
Catholic Association. He is one of the youngest presidents in the his- 
tory of the association, is an enthusiastic worker in the interests of the 
society and during his administration it has made rapid strides. He 
has been a member for many )'ears, always zealous in whatever work he 
had to do, and it was particularly pleasing when, in 1 900, he was chosen 
president. He is also prominent in numerous other societies, notably 
the Robert Fulton Council of the Knights of Columbus of which he has 
been Grand Knight and a member of the Post Office Clerks' Association. 

South Boston Refuislican Club. — Though only a year old, 
the South Boston Republican Club is an acti\e organization, haxing 



HISTORY OF SOUTH JUJSTOX. 



407 



among its members many of the leading Republicans of the district. 
Situated in Ward 15, it has an excellent and spacious clubhouse at 80 
G Street, and its membership is large. Frank R. Fitzgerald has been 
its president since its organization. 

SiiAWMUT Rowing Clli5. — For many years the district has been 
represented in nearly all the leading rowing regattas of New England, 
by the Shawmut Rowmg Club, and not infrequently has it been success- 
ful in securing" prizes in the various events. It is now the only rowing 
organization in South Boston and is one of the oldest in the state. It 
has a convenient and well equipped clubhouse on Fort Point Channel, 
near the Dover Street Bridge. Thomas \V. Healey is president. 

Tremoxt Cycle Club. — In 1890 several young men of South 
Boston met and organized the Tremont Cycle Club, which is now the 
oldest club of its kind in the district. It has been successful from the 
start, both from the cycling and social standpoints, and still has a large 
membership and is active in cycling circles. Its present headquarters 
is corner of P2merson and K Streets. 

St. Augustine's Lyceum. — One 
of the oldest organizations in the district 
is St. Augustine's Lyceum, organized 
August 16, 1876 and which received 
its charter from the state April 11, 1882. 
It was reorganized in December, 1894, 
and has since had a successful exist- 
ence. It is the oldest association of its 
kind in the state and has earned a deserved 
and excellent reputation through its dra- 
matic and operatic productions as well as 
for the objects for which it was formed, 
the general advancement of its young 
men. Headquarters are corner of Dor- 
chester and National Streets and Mr. 
Michael J. Carroll is the present presi- 
dent. 

President Michael J. Carroll was born in New Bedford, Mass. and 
was educated in the Ouincy, the old Franklin and new Boylston Gram- 
mar Schools, having moved to Boston when five months old and to South 
Boston when 14. He was apprenticed to the mason's trade when 18 
and has always been engaged in it. Identified with the labor move- 
ment he has been vice-president of the Central Labor Union and presi- 
dent of the Building Trades Council of l^oston and vicinity. He was a 
member of the Common Council in 1887, 1888 and 1889, appointed in- 
spector of masonry in 1890, superintendent of construction of dam No. 
6 at Ashland 1893, appointed chief inspector of sewers in 1896, was 
inspector of sewers in the city of PZverett in 1900 and was appointed 




MICHAEL J CARROLL, 
President St Augustine s Lyceum. 



4o8 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



by the city engineer of Boston, in 1901, to take charge of the construc- 
tion of Co\-e Street and Broadway Bridges. Besides St. Augustine's 
Lyceum he is a member of the Charitable Irish Society, Mt. Washing- 
ton Lodge, A. O. U. W., Division 7, A. O. H., South Boston Council of 
the Knights of Columbus, St. James Court, M. C. O. F., Mosquito Fleet 
Yacht Club, and one of the organizers and at present a member of 
Bricklayers' Union No. 3 of Massachusetts. 

Gek>[AX A^iekican Sixgixg Society. — Organized January 26, 
1890, for social purposes and to promote an interest in music among its 
members, this society was incorporated March 13, 189 1. It now has a 
membership of nearly 200 and a well trained chorus of 35. Dr. Stuart 
is chairman of the singing committee. 

Meeting with success from the start and the membership increas- 
ing, a handsome clubhouse was erected on East Eighth Street, foot of 
Covington Street, and dedicated April 17, 18 and 19, 1892 with a three 
nights' celebration, concluding with a grand ball. 

The building has a frontage of 45 feet and a depth of 75 feet. 
Arion Hall is the name given to the building which contains a hall 
30 X 45 feet. In the basement is a large refreshment room. 

The building cost Si 0,000 and the original furnishings Si 200. 
August Kern is president. 

Dahl(tKex Post 2, G. A. R. — This 
veteran organization, one of the oldest in 
the country, was started in 1880. Since 
then it has done much good among its 
members, affording relief to those in need 
and i^romoting a more than fraternal spirit 
within its ranks. 

Semi-monthly meetings are held, fre- 
quent have been the campfires, entertain- 
ments and parties and the post has turned 
out annually, on Memorial Day, and deco- 
rated the graves of their comrades buried 
in the various cemetries of Boston. On 
great occasions, also, such as dedications 
of monuments, the post has turned out 
large numbers. 

The commanders of the post have 
been as follows : George A. Thayer 1880- 

83; Col. J. Payson Bradley 1884; Arthur 
Whiting 1886; George H. Innis 1887; 
Robert H. Henderson 1889; Benjamin 

Foster 1891 ; S. Herbert Appleton 1892; 

Asa D. Smith 1894; Charles S. Gierke 

1S96; Richard R. Walsh 1897; Fredolin 

Sawyer 1899; Francis Z. Jenks 1900; 




DAHLGREN MEMORIAL HALL 

E and Silver Sts. 

Headquarters of Post 2, G, A, R. 



1882; George C. Joslin i8 
Neilson 1885; Charles H. 
William F. Gierke 1888; 
F. Drown 1890; J. Frank 
Henry S. Treadwell 1893; 
1895; George VV. Sanborn 
Kramer 1898; William K. 
Frank Wilkinson 1901. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH T.OSTOX. 



409 



Washinctox Post ^^2, G. A. R. — Organized Nov. 16, i<S67,this is 
one of the oldest posts in the state. It was first known as Washington 
Encampment Post }2 and met in old Wait's Hall with 25 charter mem- 
bers At the very next meeting 69 new members joined. The meet- 
ing place was shortly afterward changed to the armory of the Pulaski 
Guards, corner of West Fourth and Dorchester Streets. Col. George 
H. Johnston was the first commander. In 1 86<S the membership had 
reached 350 and the following year it was 400. At the i)rescnt time 
the membership is about 100. 

Commander John Mahoney is serving his second year in that office. 
The meetings are held in Grand Army Hall, W^est Broadway. 

GETTVsiiURi; CoMMAXD No. 19, Dept. OF Mass. U. V. U. — This 
organization of old veterans meets in Tonti Hall on E Street and, 
although small in membership, is flourishing, and fulfills all its obliga- 
tions especially the decorating of the graves of their dead on Memorial 
Day. Patrick J. Haley is the present commander, George H. Stacy 
adjutant and Thomas M. Hogan c[uartermaster. 

Maj. M. J. O'CoxxoR Camp 4, L. S. 
W. V. — Named in honor of Maj. M. J. 
O'Connor of the 9th Mass. Volunteer 
Infantry, who died in Cuba August 7, 1898, 
this camp was organized October 31, 
1900, at the East Armory, and is composed 
mainly of South Boston citizens who served 
in the army or navy in the war with Spain. 
There are more than 100 members in the 
camp. 

George F. H. Murray is the com- 
mander, Lorenzo B. Crowley senior vice- 
commander, and Thomas F. Sullivan junior 
vice-commander. 

Maj. George ¥. H. Murray, com- 
mander of Maj. M. J. O'Connor Camp 4, 
L. S. W.V., was born on board the Peabody 
packet ship Marco Polo, Dec. 12, 1858 while 
his parents were returning to Boston from 

Australia. He was educated in the Lawrence grammar and English 
High Schools of this city and then entered the employ of the marine 
insurance firm of Endicott and Macomber and later was in the employ 
of Calvin A. Richards, president of the Metropolitan railroad, George F. 
Hewitt of Worcester, New York Life Insurance Co. He represented 
Ward 13 in the Common Council of 1883, 1884 and 1885, served as 
secretary of the Democratic Ward and City Committee of Boston in 
1884, 1885 and 1886, was deputy collector of internal revenue under 
Collectors Eben F. Pillsbury and John E. Fitzgerald and in recent 
years was manager of the Stanley Brewing Co., of Lawrence. He is now 




WIAJ. GEORGE F. H. MURRAY, 

Commander of Maj. M. J. O Connor Camp 

4, L. S. W. V. 



4IO HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

engaged in the real estate and insurance business at 460 West Broad- 
way. 

Wlien but a young man he joined the militia, Dec, 9, 1887, and 
was commissioned second lieutenant of Co. B of the 9th Regiment. In 
1888 he was promoted to a captaincy. 

With his regiment Capt. Murray went to Cuba in the Spanish War 
of 1898. Returning to Boston on the hospital ship Bay State he was 
very weak and was in the Carney Hospital several weeks. On the re- 
organization of the 9th Regiment Capt. Murray was promoted to the 
position of major. 

Prominent in the organization of Maj. M. J. O'Connor Camp he was 
soon elected commander which position he has occupied ever since and 
at the national convention in 1901 he was chosen commander-in-chief of 
the Legion of Spanish War Veterans. 

Maj. Murray is married and lives at 525 East Fifth Street. 

Miscellaneous Organizations. — Among the many other 
organizations and clubs well known in the district and which are doing 
their part in the bettering of and advancing the interests of the mem- 
bers, may be mentioned the Phillips Brooks Club of the Church of the 
Redeemer, East Fourth Street; Ingomar Club, social, Dorchester 
Street; Twenty-five Associates, social. West Broadway, near C Street; 
South Boston Wheelmen, Emerson Street; Men's Club of St. Matthew's 
Church; St. Augustine's Cemetery Improvement Association; Matta- 
pannock Club, exclusively for women; Golf Social Club, Andrew Square; 
Nonpareil Associates, Broadway E.\tension; Pickwick Club, West 
Broadway and C Street; Somerset Associates, East Broadway and 
P2merson Street; Tammany Associates, Dorchester and West Second 
Streets ; Young Ladies' Library Association of St. Mncent's Church, 
P2 and Bolton Streets. Irish American Club, Wolf Tone Club and the 
Celtic Association, all meeting in Clan-na-Gael Hall, D Street. 

Chakitadle Organizations. — Associated Charities, 366 W^est 
Broadway; Provident Association, 325 E Street; Boston Overseers of 
the Poor, represented by Dr. Frederick Stuart ; and the St. Vincent 
de Paul Society, with conferences in each of the Catholic churches in 
the district. 

Masonic Organizations. — St. Paul's, Gate of the Temple and 
Adelphi Lodges, St. Matthews Royal Arch Chapter and St. Omer 
Commandery, with headquarters in Masonic Hall, Broadway and E 
Street. 

Fraternal OrctANIZATions. — American Legion of Honor: 
Taylor Council 87, Standish Council 141, and Garfield Council 720, 
Tonti Hall, ¥. Street. 

American Order of P'raternal Helpers : Crystal Lodge 19, Tonti 
Hall. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



411 



Ancient Order of Hibernians: Division 6, 166 West Broadway; 
Division 7, Clan-na-Gael Hall, 247 D Street; Division 11, 235 Boston 
Street; Division 13, Gray's Upper Hall; Division 32, 166 West 
Broadway; Division 2,6, 166 West Broadway ; Division 57, Clan-na-Gael 
Hall; Division 58, National Hall, i National Street; Division 60, 
National Hall; Division 66, Gray's Upper Hall; Division 74, Gray's 
Upper Hall. 

Ancient Order of United Workmen: Unity Lodge 5, Bethesda 
Lodge Hall, 409 West Broadway; Mt. Washington Lodge 115, Dahl- 
gren Memorial Hall, E Street; Farragut Lodge 165, Bethesda Lodge 
Hall. 

Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen: City Point Lodge 507, 
Bethesda Lodge Hall. 

Catholic Order of Forresters: Our Lady of the Rosary Court 
1034, National Hall. 

Catholic Total Abstinence Union of the Archdiocese of Boston: 
SS. Peter and Paul's T. A. and B. Society, 152 W'est Broadway; St. 
Augustine's T. A. and B. Society, Dorchester Street; P^r. Matthew's 
T. A. Society, St. Omer Hall, 376 West Broadway. 

Daughters of Veterans: Mary A. Livermore Tent 17, I'ilgrim 
Hall, 732 East Broadway. 

Forresters of America: P^arragut Lodge 140, Gray's Upper Hall. 

German Order of Harugari: Washington Lodge 516, 367 Eighth 
Street. 

Golden Rule Alliance: Beulah Chapter 10, National Hall. 

Home Circle: Welcome Lodge 52, Pilgrim Hall. 

Improved Order of Heptasophs: South Boston Conclave 433, 
Dahlgren Hall, PI Street; Trimount Conclave 742, Gray's Hall; Penin- 
sular Conclave 817, Tonti Hall. 

Independent Order of Odd Pillows: Bethe.sda Lodge 30; Rebekah 
Lodge -:,6, Mt. Washington Encampment 6, Bethesda Lodge Hall. 

Knights and Ladies of Honor: P^iendship Lodge 125, Bethesda 
Lodge Hall. 

Knights of Columbus: South Boston Council yS, Dahlgren Me- 
morial Hall, E Street; Pere Marquette Council 271, Dahlgren Memo- 
rial Hall. 

Knights of Honor: Mattapannock Lodge 472, South Boston 
Lodge 433, and Trimount Lodge 742. 

Knights of Labor: P'reight Handler's Assembly 628, Broadway 
Hall ; Longshoremen's Assembly 8067, Tonti Hall. 

Knights of Malta: Mt. Carmel Commandery 197, Bethesda Lodge 
Hall. 

Loyal Orange Institution: P'rank HavenHinman Lodge 165,361 
West Broad wa}'. 

Massachusetts Catholic Order of P^'orresters ; SS. Peter and Paul's 
Court 15, Tonti Hall; St. Augustine's Court 46, Tonti Hall; St. 
Michael's Court 70, Gray's I'pper Hall. 



41 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



New England Order of Protection: Mizpah Lodge 150, Bethesda 
Lodge Hall; Defender Lodge 280, Hethesda Lodge Hall. 

Order of the Eastern Star: Reliance Chapter 62, Dahlgren 
Memoral Hall, E Street. 

Order of New F^ngland: Columbia Lodge 2, 389 West Broadway. 

Order of Scottish Clans: Clan Earquharson 54, National Hall. 

Order of United Eriends: Signet Council 109, 3S9 West Broad- 
way; Wendell Phillips Council 130, Tonti Hall. 

Royal Arcanum: Winthrop Council 538, Dahlgren Memorial 
Hall; Lincoln Council 93, 389 West Broadway. 

Royal Society of Good Eellows: Puritan Assembly 8, Pilgrim 
Hall; Garfield Assembly 70, Tonti Hall. 

Sons of St. George: Admiral Nelson Lodge 161, Gray's Upper 
Hall. 

Sons of Temperance: Independent Division 137, Grand Army 
Hall. 

Sons of Veterans : Dahlgren Camp 98, Dahlgren Memorial Hall. 

United Order of Independent Odd Ladies: Prosperity Lodge 32, 
Pilgrim Hall. 

United Order of Pilgrim P\ithers : Mount Washington Colony 
24, Pilgrim Hall; George Dewey Colony 215, Tonti Hall. 

United Order of the Golden Cross: Mt. Washington Commandery 
42, Pilgrim Hall; Shawmut Commandery 386, Pilgrim Hall. 

United Order of the Golden Star : P2agle Commandery 3, Pilgrim 
Hall; Hope Commandery 12, Pilgrim Hall. 

Women's Relief Corps: Mt. Washington Corps 91, Grand Army 
Hall; Dahlgren Corps 20, Dahlgren Memorial Hall. 

Lawken'ce and Mather School Association. — This associ- 
ation, composed of graduates of the old Mather School and of the 
Lawrence School, was organized at a meeting of fifty of these gradu- 
ates, May 9, 1893. Thomas A. Mullen was elected president with 
Robert P. Clarkson, who was prominent in bringing about the organ- 
ization, as vice-president, Charles F. Leahy, secretary and William E. 
Cassidy, treasurer. June 7, 1893, the first reunion was held and they 
have been annual events ever since then. The guests at the first 
reunion were Bishop Lawrence, Dr. Larking K. Dunton, Amos M. 
Leonard and Granville C. Emery. The membership is now about 
1000, embracing graduates of every class from 1856 to the present 
time, and also of the classes of 1854, 1855 and 1856 of the Mather 
School. The ofBce of president has been filled as follows: Thomas A. 
Mullen 1893, 1894 and 1895; Hon. John B. Martin 1896; Charles T. 
Dukelow 1897 and 1898; Dr. William J. Gallivan 1899; John S. 
Godfrey 1900; James A. Cook 1901, and Capt. John J. Hanley has 
been chosen for 1902. 



CHAPTER XI. 
P1F.LIC Blmldings and Ixstitltioxs. 

Carney Hospital — Perkins Institution for the IJlind — Kpiscopal Churcli Home — House 
of Correction — Municipal Court — iJranch of the iJoston Pulilic Library — Station Y , 
Post Office — ]!anks, Etc. 

There are but few district.^, if an\', in Bo.ston or \icinity, witli a 
greater variety of institutions than South Boston. The Peri<^ins Institu- 
tion for the BHnd was the hrst estabhshed, and, short) \' afterwartl, the 
Carney Hosj^itaL The Suffolk County House of Correction was one of 
the group of early i:)ublic institutions, and the Episco]:)al Churcli Home 
is one of the most recent. 

The sick and the orj^hans are cared for, the blind are educated, and 
the law breakers of the count)' are attended to, each in the sei)arate 
establishments. 

In addition to these, the city and nation have branches of important 
departments, in the Municipal Court, Public Library and the Postoffice. 
The banks, too, are represented b\' three institutions, the South Boston 
Savings Bank, the Mattapan Safe Deposit and Trust Company, and the 
Mount Washington Co-Operative Bank. 

Cakxey Hospital — O/d Harbor Street. 

Conspicuous, both through its great work and the prominent posi- 
tion it holds on the highest land in our district, the Carney Hospital 
stands as a monument to the memory of a true philanthropist, Andrew 
Carney, its founder. 

The Carney Hospital of toda}- is far different than in years past, 
and could the man who brought about the founding of this institution 
see the great progress it has made, it w^ould certainly receive his highest 
approval. 

When a young man, like man}' others of his age, Andrew Carney 
left Ireland, his native land, to come to the United States. He entered 
the clothing business, and ad\"anced until he was considered a nian of 
great repute and ability, and also very wealth}'. 

Mr. Carney devoted much of his money to charitable purposes, so 
that when he purchased the old How estate on Old Harbor Street in 
1863, for Si 3,500, to be used as a hospital, it was not the first tinie he 
aided the worth}' poor. 

After purchasing the estate and the small house thereon, which 
included a part of the present site, he presented it to Sister Ann 
Alexis of St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum, with the understanding that it 
was to be used as a hospital. Nothing was more needed in South 



414 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Boston, and in a short time the place was filled with patients who were 
unable to secure admission to other hospitals, owing to their crowded 
condition. 




CARNEY HOSPITAL, 
Old Harbor Street. 



In subsequent years the place was so crowded that it was soon 
decided to erect a brick structure, and this was accordingly done, at a 
cost of $100,000, and was completed in 1868. Its founder, in the mean- 
time, passed away, death occurring in 1865. 

From this time on great strides were made. The good sisters were 
incorporated as managers under Sister Ann Ale.xis, and shortly after- 
ward she was succeeded by Sister Ann Aloysia, who had previously 
been particularly interested in the Camden Street Home. 

Sister Ann Aloysia remained in charge of the institution until 
1869, many extensive improvements being made during her time. She 
was succeeded by the lamented Sister Simplicia, who, up to the time of 
her death, which occurred in 1890, had full supervision. 

Sister Simplicia, from the time she assumed charge until her 
death, was an energetic worker for the sick and afflicted, and it was 
greatly through her efforts that the institution was made what it is 
today. Always modest and unassuming, she was constantly engaged in 
furthering the interests of the institution, and at the time of her death 
she had made many extensive plans for the enlargement of the hospital 



I1IST()R\" OK SOUTH HOSTOX. 



415 



and the iniproveinent of its many departments, most of whicli have Ix-en 
carried out b)- her successor, Sister Gonzaga. 

Sister Gonzaga took charge after the death of Sister Simjihcia, and 
is at present the Sui^erior at the institution. When she assumed the 
direction of affairs, the liospital was again in need of more extensive 
quarters, and in 1891 tlie large wing at the right and tlie new entrance, 
were constructed at a cost of 8130,000, ahnost doul:)hng the size of the 
institution, and adding greatly to its facilities. Three years later it 
became necessary to erect a new out-i^atient department building, and 
the wooden structure at Old Harbor Street and Thomas Park was pur- 
chased for this purpose. 

Like the hospital itself, this structure has already proved entirely 
inadequate to the demands made upon it, and Sister Gonzaga had plans 
drawn for the construction of a larger and more imposing structure, 
w'hich has since been erected at Dorchester and ( )1(1 Harbor Streets. 

This new structure is equal to anything of its kind in the city. It 
has a frontage of 63 feet on Old Harbor Street and 47 feet on Dor- 
chester Street, with the main entrance in the centre of the Dorchester 
Street facade, the style being Italian renaissance. It is fitted through- 
out in a first-class modern manner, and its several floors are laid out to 
the best possible advantage. This structure was made possible by the 
State appropriating $10,000, on condition that an equal amount be 
raised by the hospital, which provision was complied with. 

Another feature of the in- 
stitution is the emergency 
station, on National Street, 
which has, as a part of its 
equipment, an ambulance, while 
the station itself is fitted up 
comfortably and convenientl}- 
for the physicians. There had 
been a demand iov an emergency 
station and ambulance in the 
district for a long time, and 
finally, uj^on agreement, the 
City of Boston erected the sta- 
tion and fitted it out, giving the 
institution the use of it for the 
medical and surgical attendance 
the hospital would give in return. 
The structure and fittings com- 
plete cost about $12,000. 

It must be remembered that from its establishment up to the 
present time the hospital has been supported entirely by charity, the 
Sisters giving their full attention to the sick, while some of the most 
skillful doctors of the city are numbered among the visiting physicians. 

Even with this uncertain means of support, the institution ha.'i 




CARNEY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY STATION. 
National Street. 



41 6 HISTORY Op' SOUTH BOSTON. 

grown and assumed such iiroportions as to be third on the hst of those 
in the entire city. The best comparison of this can be made in the 
annual report of the hospital, in which 2000 cases for the hospital and 
10,000 or I 1,000 for the out-patient department in the course of a year 
is usual. The band of Sisters who care for the sick under Sister 
Gonzaga's supervision numbers twent}'-five, and besides these there is a 
corps of thirt)-three nurses, and, including the visiting physicians, there 
are forty-eight. An estimate of the growth of the institution and the 
yearl)' work can be had b\' comparing the above with the tirst annual 
report of the institution, which showed fifty-three patients, five Sisters 
and four doctors. 

On frequent occasions the great and ever-increasing work of the 
institution has been greatly aided through the benevolence of persons, 
who, familiar with the great benefits it affords humanit}', regardless of 
sex, creed or color, have remembered it in their bequests. 

In 1892 Miss luiiil)' A. M. Stone)' established the Training School 
for Nurses, and the popularity of this new feature can easily be judged 
from the fact that the number of applications annually far exceeds the 
limit, and the scho(^l has become quite a feature of the institution. 
During its first year the Sisters themselves were interested pupils, 
besides the class of thirty young ladies. The school has been in exist- 
ence e\"ery year since, and from six to eight of its members graduate 
annually, the regular term occup)'ing three years. 

Visiting the sick and supplying food to the worth}' sick in their 
homes by the Sisters is another feature of the institution, and one not 
generally known. With the excellent facilities now at hand, the grand 
work being carried on continuou.sly, and the several features herein 
mentioned, it is an easy matter f(M- the reader to judge why the Carney 
Hospital is considered by residents of our district so superior to any 
other. 

Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the 
Blind — East Broadivay. 

Wherever the history of this, one of the grandest institutions ever 
conceived, is revealed, the names of Dr. John D. Fisher, Dr. Samuel G. 
Howe, Col. Thomas H. Perkins, William Oliver and Michael Anagnos, 
will shine forth in the lustre of God's own teaching, "do unto others as 
you would, that the)' should do unto you." 

Though institutions had been established abroad for the care and 
instruction of the blind, it remained for Dr. John D. F'isher to make a 
proposal for the founding of such a school in the United States. This 
was in 1826. Dr. Fisher was then a young man who had returned to 
Boston after finishing his medical studies in Paris, where he became 
familar with the instruction of the blind. 

To Dr. F'isher is due the credit and distinction of suggesting the 
founding of this, the first school for the blind in the United States. He 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



417 



succeeded in iiiterestiuL;' others in his [jhins, and in 1829 a nieetini;' was 
held to take action regarding them. lie addressed the gatliering, 
dwelHng upon the books required and of the necessity of teaching 
manual training. As a result, a committee was appointed to consider 
the establishment of an institution, and within ten days it reported, at an 
adjourned meeting in the Representatives Chamber at the State House, 
a resolution in favor. Dr. Fisher again spoke of the idea and another 
committee was appointed to secure an act of incorporation which was 
obtained March 2, 1829 under the name of "The New England A.sylum 
for the Blind," "for the ])urpose of educating blind persons." The 
following year the first olficers were elected with Jonathan Phillips 
president and Dr. John D. Msher chairman of trustees. \Villiani H. 
Prescott, another trustee, did much, through his writings and his social 
position, to secure the needed impetus for the enterprise. 




PERKINS INSTITUTION AND MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND, 
East Broadway and H Street. 



Dr. Fisher, in the meantime, had enlisted the interests and services 
of another young physician in the movement, Dr. Samuel G. Howe, 
whose efforts in behalf of the independence of Greece and his subse- 
quent adventures in Europe made him familiar to all Bostonians. 

By an agreement, signed by the trustees, John D. F'isher, P2dward 
Brooks and John Honians, Dr. Howe was sent abroad to study the work 
of teaching the blind. In the same agreement he became principal of 
the institution and was also empowered, while abroad, to secure one, or, 



4l8 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

at the most two, instructed blind as assistant teachers, and also neces- 
sary apparatus for the school. 

He returned in July 1832 with a teacher from the Paris school and 
another from an Edinburgh school, the latter to take charge of the 
manual training in the Boston school, and in August this institution was 
opened at the home of Dr. Howe's father on Pleasant Street, there being 
six pupils in attendance. 

Dr. Howe had in the meantime begun to invent books with raised 
letters, and geographical maps, and to arrange alphabets of twine stuck 
on paper. In this manner the first pupils were enabled to learn their 
first lessons and their progress was rapid. 

In January 1833, the trustees addressed a memorial to the Massa- 
chusetts Legislature asking for their aid. The school had received some 
little assistance from the state, but it was not sufficient, as was shown 
by the memorial which said in part: "Without further aid it will be im- 
possible to continue the establishment even in its present humble condi- 
tion, much less to extend its usefulness." As a result an annual 
appropriation of $6,000 was secured and this was soon followed by 
private donations. The women of Salem, Marblehead and Newbury- 
port held a fair that produced nearly $3,000, leaders of society in 
Boston held a fair in r^aneuil Hall that netted more than $11,000, and 
shortly after, Col. Thomas H. Perkins, offered his house on Pearl Street 
for the permanent use of the blind, and doubled the gift by the condi- 
tion that a subscription of $25,000 should be made by the public, and 
the condition was met by double that sum within a^ month. That was 
during Ma)' 1833 ^^^^ if was during that nionth that a permanent school 
for the blind became assured. 

In September of that year the Pearl Street house, having been en- 
larged and properly fitted up for its intended purpose, the members of 
the school moved into it. Dr. Howe frequently visited other cities, 
accompanied by several of the pupils who, gave exercises in public. In 
this way public interest was drawn to the blind and many pupils were 
sent from other cities and towns to the school, and many Legislatures 
were inspired to appropriate money for the establishment of similar 
schools. In this way the New P^ngland organization became the seed 
for the entire country. 

In six years the Pearl Street house had become inadequate, and 
Col. Perkins, in order to facilitate the work, agreed to the sale of the 
property. An exchange was soon made for the Mount Washington 
House, South Boston, and here the school located in May 1839 under 
the name of the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts Asylum for the 
l^lind. The word asylum was changed to school, in 1877. The year 
after the removal, a work department was organized and has been main- 
tained ever since. Piano tuning was also introduced and has proved 
to be remunerative. 

The state aided the school greatly, for no less than $100,000 were 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 4I9 

appropriated during 1 868-1 869 for buildings for the girls, apart from 
the boys. Other special appropriations were also received and the 
annual appropriation of S6000, rose in time to $30,000 and is still re- 
ceived. A gift of $40,000 from William Oliver of Dorchester, in 1847, 
and various other donations from man}- individuals, were greatly instru- 
mental in making the institution what it is today. 

Laura l^ridgman, who Dr. Howe brought to the institution from 
the vicinity of Hanover, N. H., in 1837, and who, though blind, deaf, 
dumb and almost deprived of the senses of taste and smell, was educated 
at the school, and the story of her marvelous progress is so well known 
that it needs no repetition here. She died at the institution in 1889. 

The institution sustained a severe loss in 1850, in the death of its 
indefatigable worker, Dr. Fisher. From the time that he first intro- 
duced his idea of providing for the education of the blind he had labored 
in their behalf and was still engaged in this work when death came, 
being a trustee of the institution, a position he had held for twenty 
years. 

The work progressed, the attendance at the institution continually 
growing. In January 1876 sorrow was again destined to shadow the 
institution when the life labors of Dr. Howe were ended. It is need- 
less to say how deep was the sorrow and how great the loss. His 
interest in the blind proved to be his life work. This same interest 
was not alone confined to him but was conspicuous in his family and 
particular in his eldest daughter Julia, the wife of his successor, Michael 
Anagnos. 

Michael Anagnos, Dr. Howe's successor, has proved himself to be 
his counterpart in his interest in the blind. One of his first acts, 
after assuming charge, was to organize a kindergarten class. This was 
in 1879, but owing to imperfect facilities it had to be abandoned shortly 
afterward, but merely for a time. Mr. Anagnos, by no means dis- 
couraged, worked on this matter of a separate department until success 
crowned his efforts, when, in 1 887, the kindergarten was incorporated and 
its first building dedicated at Jamaica Plain. Without asking or receiv- 
ing aid from the state the kindergarten holds property to the amount of 
nearly $800,000 bestowed within fourteen years. 

The year 1882, the anniversary of the opening of the school, also 
marked the completion of the printing fund, Si 00,000, by private sub- 
scrij)tion, to endow the Howe Memorial Press. Through this acquisition 
and through the resolves adopted by the trustees, embossed books and 
tangible apparatus are provided, not alone for the pupils of the institu- 
tion, but to aid all sightless readers in New England. Books, to be 
loaned free of charge, have been sent to the public libraries of Provi- 
dence and Newport, R. I. ; Boston, Worcester, Somerville and Fitch- 
burg, Mass. ; New Haven and Hartford, Conn. ; Concord, N. H., and 
Portland, Me. The publications at the present time embrace a long list 
of both old and new books including some in Latin and German, besides 
sheet music both vocal and instrumental. 



420 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



On the afternoon of June 13, 1882 the semi-centennial was ob- 
served in Tremont Temple when exercises by the pupils in literature, 
scientific essays, reading by touch, military drill, gymnastics and vocal 
and instrumental music were given. The exhibition was a marvelous 
one and received great praise from all who witnessed it. 

From time to time additional buildings have been added to the in- 
stitution so that at present it has an almost endless variety of depart- 
ments. There is an extensive library, Sloyd rooms, museum, sewing 
rooms, gymnasium, and various other features. Many of these have 
been acquired during the twenty-five years of Michael Anagnos' super- 
vision and they continue to increase and with such benefit to the pupils 
that it seems that the remark of Miss Sophia Carter, one of the six ori- 
ginal pupils, made after the semi-centennial exercises that, "if as much 
were done in the next half century as in the last, blindness will almost 
cease to be a calamity," has, or at least, is about to be realized. 

Episcopal Church Home — East Broadivay and X Street. 

Through the forethought and untiring energy of Rev. Charles 
Mason, D.D., of the Episcopal Church, there stands in our district today 




EPISCOPAL CHURCH HOME, 
East Broadway, East Fourth and N Streets. 



a home, the object of which is caring for orphan and destitute children. 
It was in 1854 that he, while rector of Grace Episcopal Church on 
Temple Street, after hax'ing previously interested several persons in the 
project, rented a house on North Russell Street, where, for a very nom- 
inal sum, parents and children could be lodged and boarded. 

This was the beginning of the present institution. It proved a 



HISTORY OF SOUTH P.f>STON. 



421 



success, and, cncourag'cd by the aid of xai'ious indixiduals, Rew Dr. 
Mason, tlie following year, secured a more commodious house on Charles 
Street. This, however, proved inadequate after a short time, and the 
matter of providing a larger and better home was considered by the 
trustees. As a result, the house on Charles Street and another building 
adjoining were purchased in i <S6o, and altered for the purposes for which 
they were intended. Many persons had in the meantime become much 
interested in the project, and various donations were received to aid in 
carrying on the work. 

In 1864, these donations, having amounted to a considerable sum, 
the site now occupied by the Episcopal Church Home on N Street was 
purchased, and the present building erected, the entire cost being 
S6o,ooo. 

P"or many years the large number of children who found a home 
here were cared for by the Misses Dexter. Miss Martha Dexter died 
in 1 896, and since that time the home has been in charge of the Misses 
Hauser. 

The children attend the public schools, and when not thus 
engaged, are allowed the freedom of the grounds about the home, which 
are spacious, airy and healthy. When old enough, positions are found 
for them, and in this way many children who would otherwise have 
had no opportunities in life have become capable business men and 
women. 

Suffolk County House of Correction — East First Street. 

It is not a great while since there were located in South Boston 
various institutions, penal and others, including the House of Reforma- 




HOU5E OF CORRECTiO.'n FOR SUFFOLK COUNTY 
East First Street. 



tion. House of Correction, House of Industry, Massachusetts School for 
Idiotic and Feeble-Minded Youth, and the Boston Lunatic Hospital. 

Being so thickly populated, the residents of South Boston always 
objected to these places, and their efforts were continually directed 



422 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



toward ridding the district of them. Through unceasing agitation 
these objectionable institutions have disappeared gradually, until but 
one, the House of Correction, remains, and it is hoped that it will not 
be long before this is removed also. 

This institution was erected on lands set off by the city shortly 
after South Boston's annexation, being the first of four of the city's 
penal institutions erected here, and it was first opened July i, 1833. It 
has been in continuous use since that time, both males and females 
being confined here. Many of the inmates work in the various shops, 

and as a result of their labor a 
part of the running expenses of 
the institution are paid. 





COL. JOHN C WHITON, 
Master, House of Correction. 



WILLIAM A. WITHAM, 
Deputy Master, House of Correction. 



Persons convicted in the various courts of the minor offences were 
sent to the institution, and by degrees it became inadequate, and, in 
1847, the east wing was extended and fitted with cells, giving much 
greater accommodations. 

A serious fire occurred at the institution February 25, 1871, which 
destroyed the large building containing the chapel, the womens' sewing 
room and the shop occupied by the men employed on the sewing 
machines, together with the contents, the damage thus incurred 
amounting to $6,542. As a result of the fire, the income of the insti- 
tution for that year was reduced over $4,000. The brush shop, which 
was also slightly burned, was soon repaired, sewing machines were 
placed in it, and the male prisoners were again put to work. 

There was considerable agitation at this time, as well as previously, 
for the removal of the institution, but, though many persons interested 
themselves in the matter and showed that such a step would not only 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 423 

be of great benefit to South Boston, but to the city, their efforts were 
fruitless, and the buildings damaged by the fire were soon reconstructed 
and equipped. 

In March, 1874, the females were removed from the ])rison build- 
ing to a dormitory over the new chapel, and the male prisoners who had 
been confined in the dormitory and prison attic were i-)laced in the cells 
vacated by the females. 

On September 13, 1874, a school was started for the unemployed 
prisoners. A portion of the brush shop was fitted up for the purpose, 
and competent teachers were found among the prisoners. The school 
continued with much success until April 2 of the following year, the 
average attendance being about forty-five. The school was discon- 
tinued at that time, as the room was needed for other purposes. It was 
subsequently opened again, and is a feature of the institution today. 

The masters of this institution have been : Charles Robbins, from 
the establishment of the institution in 1833 until his death, March 27, 
1871 ; Charles H. Davis (who had been deputy for three years prior to 
the death of Master Robbins) from May i, 1871, until his death, Dec. 

1, 1874; Martin V. B. Berry, from March 27, 1875, to March 9, 1889; 
Col. John C. Whiton (the present master of the institution) from 
March 18, 1889, up to the })resent time. Col. Whiton accepted the 
position at the earnest solicitation of the Institutions Department of 
Boston. 

Col. John C. Whiton, master of the House of Correction, was 
born in Hingham, August 21, 1828, of Elijah and Mary (Lincoln) 
Whiton. He was educated in the schools of his native town and in his 
youth worked at the grocery business, latterly in Boston. In the spring 
of I 86 1 he was engaged at Fort Warren, and in 1862 he went to the 
front as lieutenant-colonel of the 43rd Mass. Regt., serving until the 
expiration of his term of enlistment, July, 1863. In 1864 he was 
engaged in recruiting in Plymouth Count)-, and from April, 1864, to 
July, 1865, was lieutenant-colonel of the 58th Regiment, Mass. Volun- 
teers. He was then commissioned colonel, but, unable to secure the 
required number of men in one day, he could not muster. He was 
commissioned colonel of the United States \"olunteers, by brevet, Aju-il 

2, 1865, for gallant and meritorious service at Petersburg, Va. P'roni 
September, 1865, to September, 1873, he was employed by the city of 
Boston as chief clerk in the auditor's department, and the following- 
three years was superintendent of the cit}-'s institutions on Rainsford 
and Deer Islands. In 1877 he was treasurer and steward of the 
Women's Reformatory Prison at Sherborn. He was appointed superin- 
tendent of the Boston and Nantasket Steamboat Company in 1880 and 
continued to 1883, when he resumed his duties on Deer Island, remain- 
ing until March, 1889. In that month he was transferred to South 
Boston to become master of the House of Correction, and has filled 
that position faithfully and well since then. A thorough disciplinarian. 



4^4 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



he possesses all the qualities that this important position requires, and 
his superiors have never had occasion to do other than commend him. 
He is a member of the Columbian Lodge of Masons, a member of the 
Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and a comrade of Post 15, G. A. R. 
October 19, 1862, he married Miss Ann Marion Sprague. 

Deputy Master William A. Witham was born in Rockland, Me., 
Oct. 29, 1845, and was educated in the country schools of that place. 
Oct. 26, 1864, he enlisted in Co. A, ist Battalion of Maine sharpshoot- 
ers, and was discharged when the war ceased in April, 1865. Sept. 
12, 1867, he came to South Boston to the House of Correction and re- 
mained three years, when he resigned and went to Leavenworth, Kan- 
sas, and was engaged as an ofificer in the penitentiary for six years from 
1870. He then came to Boston and was assigned to Deer Island as an 
ofificer. Oct. 16, 1878, he joined the Boston Police force and remained 
until March i, 1882, when he went to Rainsford Island as an officer. 
July 5, 1883, he went to Deer Island as deputy superintendent under 
Col. Whiton, who was superintendent. March 18, 1889, with the 
transfer of Col. WTiiton to South Boston, Deputy Witham came also, 
and has served at the South Boston institution ever since. Deputy 
Witham is a member of Mt. Tabor Lodge, F. & A. M., of East Boston. 
He has ever been a faithful and zealous officer. 

South Boston Municipal Court. — Dorchester Street. 

By an act of the Leg- 
islature, which took effect 
July I, 1874, district courts 
were established in several 
of the districts of Boston, 
including South Boston. 

South Boston con- 
sisted of Ward 1 2 and a 
part of Ward 7, at that time, 
and the ward room on 
Dorchester Street at the 
corner of West P'ourth 
Street was selected as the 
place for the sittings of 
the court, and, through an 
appropriation of S690, the 
place was fitted up for its 
intended purpose. 

Justice Robert J. 
Burbank presided over 
the court. There were 

also Special Justices Joseph D. Fallon and Benjamin Y . Burnham and 
Clerk Joseph H. Allen. The court sat for the transaction of criminal 




MUNICIPAL COURT Dorchester St 
Courtroom on corner, first floor and Engine Quarters on tfie right. 



HISTORY OK SOUTH BOSTON. 425 

business every week day except legal holidays, commencing at 9 a.m.; 
for the return and entry of civil actions, every Tuesday at i i a.m. 
The record of the first da}' was three cases of drunkenness, one case 
assault and battery and one case of larceny. 

The following year an addition was made to the court, b)- con- 
structing an "L" of two stories over a basement. In this " L" in 
the basement, was constructed the cell room for prisoners, on the first 
iloor, the judge's private office, clerk's office and toilet room, and above 
this a large double room for juvenile sessions of the court. 

On the resignation of Special Justice Benjamin F. Burnham, the 
vacancy was filled by Patrick A. Collins, and he was later succeeded by 
Charles J. Noyes. The court remained under the jurisdiction of Jus- 
tice Burbank until his death May 6, 1 893. Shortly after his death Special 
Justice Joseph D. Fallon was appointed to the vacancy, Charles J. 
Noyes becoming senior special justice and Josiah S. Dean junior special 
justice. 

The justices have been the same since that time. The other 
officers of the court are, Clerk Frank J. Tuttle, Asst. Clerk A. B. 
Smith, Constables William L. Urohan and Thomas J. Condon. 

South Boston Branch, Boston Public Library. — JT. Broadway 

and E Street. 

At the present time South Boston possesses a branch of the Boston 
Public Library, situated in the Masonic Building, West Broadway and 
E Street, and a reading room, known as Station Y, in the John A. 
Andrew School, Dorchester Street, and an appropriation has recently 
been made to provide a station for the City Point section. 

Though so well provided for in this respect now. South Boston 
was without any library, reading room or station up to the year 1872, 
and then it was only through the generosity of a private organization, 
the Mattapan Literary Association, that the branch was secured. 

This organization was composed of well known residents and was 
among the most prominent of the organizations in South Boston. The 
need of a library had impressed itself on the members, and finally, at a 
meeting of the association, it was voted to give the private library of 
the association, as a nucleus for a branch library in South Boston. 

This gift, comprising about 1,500 volumes, was accepted by the 
Central Library, and shortly afterward, books that had been withdrawn 
from the Central Library and others procured through donation and pur- 
chase, were added to those presented by the Mattapan Literary Associa- 
tion, the aggregate being about 5,000 volumes, and May i, 1872, the 
South Boston Branch was opened to the public and has been in opera- 
tion ever since. 

Almost immediately it proved its usefulness and popularity and 
the demands made upon it required additional volumes. During the 



426 IIISTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

year 1874, two years after its advent, the number of volumes loaned 
amounted to 108,000, and in the report of the Library Trustees of that 
year it was shown that every book had been returned to the shelves, 
this immunity from loss being commented upon as remarkable and 
gratifying. 

From time to time additions have been made to the Library, both 
in books and periodicals, until at present this branch is one of the most 
important connected with the Central Library, both in equipment and 
patronage. 

Station Y. DorcJicster Street. — This station, which has be- 
come known as the Andrew Square Reading Room, was opened to the 
public in January 1901, and, though the newest station in the city, it 
has already proved its worth through the patronage it has received. 

It was through the efforts of Mr. Cornelius P. Flynn and others 
of the Andrew Square district that this station was obtained, and before 
their efforts terminated as they desired, the City Government, School 
Committee and Library Trustees all took action in the matter. 

As its necessity was apparent to all no difficulty was encountered 
after the project had been introduced. The action of these three bodies 
was necessary owing to the fact that they all co-operated in establishing 
the station. The School Committee granted the use of a part of the 
basement of the Andrew School for the purpose, the City Government 
appropriated the sum of $2,000 for altering and fitting up the room, and 
then the library trustees accepted the place and immediately sent a 
liberal supply of books, periodicals and art pictures and the place was 
opened to the public January 5, 1901. 

From the start it has proved to be one of the busiest in the city, 
the reading room being filled both day and evennig, a strong indication 
that it is an appreciated acquisition. The number of books loaned 
during the month of January was 1,580. 

This is the only station of the library located in a public school 
building. 

South Boston Station, Boston Post Office. — West Broadivay. 

This is one of the busiest and most important branches of the 
Central Post-Office and yet it is not many years since it was conducted 
similar to country branches, where the mail was merely left at stated 
intervals and where it was called for by the residents, and not delivered 
as it is today. 

At that time 1846, Mr. Thomas Spinney, a printer, whose place of 
business was in the city proper and who resided on C Street, on his way 
to and from work brought mail to and from the Central Post-Office for 
the residents of South l^oston. Later on a Mr. Hunting performed a 
like service for his neighbors. 

The first instance of even a postoffice did not come until 1 849 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



427 



when a contract was entered into between Mr. Patterson and the l^oston 
postmaster for the deHvery of mail in several places, among them being 
South l^oston. Mr. Patterson then arranged with Mr. Caleb Gill, who 
kept a store on West Broadway near B Street, to take charge of the 
mail, which was delivered mornmg and afternoon of each week day by 
the South Boston Omnibus Company. 

Business and urgent private letters Mr. Gill had sent to their 
proper destinations, the other mail matter was called for. Mr. Gill 
continued in charge of the mail until 1855 when Mr. Jordan, who was 
engaged in the dry goods business at B Street and Broadway, took care 
of it. In 1856 Mr. Edwin B. Spinney assumed charge and the post- 
ofifice was again changed, this time to 218 West Broadway, Mr. 
Spinney's place of business. 

The office was again re-located March 7, 1863, when George W. 
Bail was appointed and E. H. Gill's store, at 245 West Broadway, 
became the postoffice headquarters. It was destined to remain here 
but a short time, however, for in June of the following year, head- 
quarters were secured at 163 West Broadway, and two years later at 
Lyceum Hall, located at West Broadway and E Street. 

In 1867, the office being reduced from a sub-postmaster to clerk, 
Mr. Bail resigned, and Thomas Burns, the clerk in charge, took care of 
the mail. Two years later he was appointed superintendent and held 
the position until his death, which occurred in November 1876. Dur- 
ing his regime the office was again re-located, at 417 West Broadway. 

After the death of Superintendent Burns, William F. Clerk was 
appointed to fill the vacancy, and it was during his term of service that 
what might be called the first properly equipped office was secured. 
This was at 474 West Broadway. It was not alone well equipped but 
excellently located, and the mail was delivered several times a day by a 
a corps of eight carriers, and the office work was performed by four 
clerks. 

Mr. Clerk remained in charge until March 20, 1888, when he was 
succeeded by John H. Giblin. There were twelve street letter boxes 
located at various points throughout South Boston, at this time, from 
which the mail was collected at stated intervals, and the service was 
equal to that of any other district at that time. 

Supt. Giblin proved himself a progressive man, and with the excel- 
lent work performed by his predecessor, he soon made improvements 
that brought the postoffice department of South Boston up to its pres- 
ent excellence. He filled the position with most commendable success 
until Sept. i, 1891, when he was succeeded b)- Henry S. Treadwell. 

Business had rapidly increased, and the need of new quarters was 
apparent, nineteen mails being received and delivered each day. 
Finally, January t, 1899, the office was moved to 399-401 West Broad- 
way, its present location. There are at present fifty-one street letter 



42 8 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



boxes, four boxes for packages, and tbree sub-stations. The office force 
comprises : Supt. Henry S. Treadwell ; Asst. Supt. Daniel J. Driscoll ; 
Clerks John J. Lavery, Asa N. Smith, Edward P. McGrory, Charles A. 
Donovan, J. D. Bowden, William J. Keefe, Daniel O'Malley; Carriers 
E. Whittemore, J. P. Duffy, S. W. Babcock, S. H. Appleton, M. J. 
Brennan, T. J. Curtis, lulward Brown, J. J. Norton, T. P". Welch, J. J. 
Smith, D. J. Rull, C. J. Rhodes, A. A. Robinson, T. P. Dillon, M. J. 
Peters, T. W. Ramsay, J. E. O'Leary, H. E. Norris, R. J. Neale, E. X. 
Hennessey, P. J. Murray, C. W. Mehegan, J. J. Howard, William 
Hunt, C. J. Kelley, J. A. Kelley, T. J. Lane, Isaac S. Fish, John J. 
Dwyer, Joseph A. Clausen ; Substitute Carriers J. J. Hogan and 
John Griffin. 

The sub-stations are at the stores of Clarence Hallett, East Broad- 
way ; John J. Tobin, Dorchester and P^ighth Streets, and Cornelius P. 
Flynn, Andrew Square. 

Mattapan Deposit and Trust Company. — Located at the 
corner of K Street and West Broadway is the Mattapan Deposit and 
Trust Company, instituted in 1892, through the efforts of Mr. Richard 
J. Monks, a former resident of the district, who interested many of the 
business men in the project. Conducted on the plan of a national 

bank, it is the only institution of the 
kind in the district and is subject to 
the laws ot the savings bank com- 
missioners. The company is autho- 
rized to receive deposits subject to 
check and to transact regular bank- 
ing business and to act as trustee of 
estates and trustee funds. P"or the 
past five years the bank has paid four 
per cent annual dividends to the 
stockholders and interest on deposits, 
over a certain amount. The capital 
is Si 00,000 and there has always 
been a surplus of at least $43,000. 
The officers of the corporation 
are Richard J. Monks, president ; 
P2zra H. Baker, first vice-president ; 
Francis C. Hersey, second vice-presi- 
dent ; George A. Tyler, actuary ; Richard J. Monks, Ezra H. Baker, 
George H. Bond, David H. Coolidge, John P'. Falvey, Dr. Michael F. 
Gavin, Francis C. Hersey, Charles S. Judkins, Col. Lawrence J. Logan, 
Hales W. Suter and George A. Tyler, directors. 

With such excellent backing as the leading business men of the 
district, the company is a strong institution and since its inception 
has been a great convenience to storekeepers and others. 




RICHARD J. MONKS, 
President Mattapan Deposit and Trust Company. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



429 



President Richard J. Monks is of an old South l^oston family and 
was engaged in the lumber business here for many )ears. He was 
also president of the Broadway National Bank. He is well known in 
the financial world and has had the care of large corporations and trust 
companies for many years. 

Actuary George A. Tyler is a resident of South Boston and 
was for fifteen years with Lee, Higginson & Co., of Boston. He is 
genial, courteous and untiring in his efforts for the Company. 

South Boston Savings Bank. — Incorporated March 3, 1863, 
the South Boston Savings Bank has had a successful existence ever 
since. 

The business of the Bank may be judged from the deposits and 
assets of 1900, as follows: Deposits, $4,117,133 ; assets, $4,444,254. 
The Bank is open for business from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. and Monday 
evenings from 7 to 9 p. >i. 





MASONIC BUILDING AND SOUTH BOSTON 

SAVINGS BANK, 

E Street and Broadway. 



THOMAS HILLS, 
President South Boston Savings Bank. 



The officers of the Bank arc as follows : Thomas Hills, president ; 
John E. Alden, vice-president ; Edward H. Barton, treasurer ; Thomas 
Hills, Charles H. Hersey, Solomon A. Woods, William S. Crosby, 
George H. Bond, John E. Alden, Charles T. Gallagher, Horace T. 
Stickney, Joseph C. Storey, Erancis C. Hersey, Mgr. D. O'Callaghan, 
Walter Jenney, Col. J. Payson Bradley, Horace Manson, J. Alfred 
Mitchell, William P. Stone, J. Carlton Nichols, P^dward A. Church, 
George F. Lawley, Albert M. Williams, Albert H. White, William H. 
H. Soule and Henry J. Bowen, trustees. 

President Thomas Hills was born in Boston, Aug. 13, 182S, and 
attended the public schools. He served an apprenticeship with Lawson 



430 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

& Harrington, upholsterers. In May, 1849, he sailed to California 
in the bark Edward Fletcher, going around Cape Horn. He was later 
of the firm of Plum & Hills, upholsterers, in San Francisco, and until 
he sailed from that place in 1850 for the Sandwich Islands on the ship 
Rose Standish, then sailing to New York, thus completing a circum- 
navigation of the Globe. 

Mr. Hills returned to Boston in September, 185 i, and continued 
in the upholstery business until 1865. In i860, 1861 and 1865 he was 
a member of the Legislature from Ward 9, and in 1865 was elected one 
of the assessors of the city of Boston and held that position until his 
resignation in May 1893. During the last twenty-five years as assessor 
he was chairman. In 1868 he removed to South Boston where he 
has lived ever since. 

In 1876 he was elected a member of the corporation of the South 
Boston Savings Bank and in 1884 was elected president, which office 
he has held ever since. He has been connected with the Barnard 
Memorial, formerly the Warren Street Chapel, since 1834, and was a 
member of the infant class of the school, and for many years past has 
been chairman of the committee on management. 

Mr. Hills resides at 157 K Street. 

Mt. Washington Co-operative Bank. — One of the best and 
most beneficial institutions in our district is the Mt. Washington Co- 
operative Bank, which was started in 1893 through the efforts of Dr. 
Thomas J. Giblin. Realizing fully the benefits of the co-operative bank 
system, and of the great good it would do the people of South Boston, 
Dr. Giblin called a meeting in Gray's hall which was addressed by 
ex-Gov. J. O. A. Brackett, and the bank was started with an encourag- 
ing membership. It was chartered June 20, 1893, with an authorized 
capital Si, 000,000. Dr. Giblin was elected the first president and has 
held that position ever since. 

The Bank has just issued its i8th series, 772 shares. Of the 
entire eighteen series there are out just 3574 shares. Meetings of the 
bank officers are held the third Wednesday of each month at the head- 
quarters, 442 West Broadway. 

The officers of the Bank areas follows: Dr. Thomas J. Giblin, 
president ; Michael J. Murray, vice-president ; John M. Shea, secretary 
and treasurer ; Phineas Pulton, John H. Giblin, Frank J. Hannon, 
Thomas H. Keenan, Dr. Thomas J. Giblin, Martin A. Leary, Dr. 
Francis Magurn, Charles P. Mooney, John M. Sullivan, Matthew J. 
Mullen, Michael J. Murray, George H. Sallaway, Alfred Smart, John 
M. Shea and W^illiam J. Hennessey, directors ; Thomas F. Reilly, James 
T. Powers and Robert E. Burke, auditors ; Hon. John A. Collins, 
attorney. 










OFFICERS- OF THF: MT. WASHINGTON CO-OPERATIVE BANK, 1901. 



CHAPTER XII. 
P( ) LICE Ukp art:\ient. 

First Patrol Service — Xight Watch Established — Inspectors of Police — City Marshal — 
First Regular Police Organization — Gradual Increase in the Force — Chief of 
Police — Harbor Police Organized — Watch and Police Departments United — 
Members of Common Council, Special Police — Reorganization of Department — 
" Dog-Watch " — Transportation of Prisoners — Telegraphic Communication 
Petween Stations — Police Boat — Mounted Squad — Telephonic Communication — 
Another Reorganization — Ambulances — P!oard of Police Established — Signal 
System. Station 6. Station 12. 

LIKE all of the early settlements, Dorchester, of which South Boston 
was once a part, had no regularly organized police force, depending 

upon a constabulary invested with the power to serve both civil and 
criminal processes. Later, members of this force were selected to take 
charge of the town-watch, and others were employed on public days and 
special occasions. In the early days some of these constables were 
employed to patrol the streets, the first instance of patrol duty, and 
when thus employed by the town they received their pay from the 
treasury. 

As South Boston was annexed to Boston long before the latter 
became a city, the story of the police department of the former is 
identical with that of the latter, as it was a part of the general system, 
and therefore was conducted and governed the same as the city depart- 
ment. In consequence of this, a sketch of the Boston Police Depart- 
ment includes that of South Boston. 

Boston established a night-watch February 27, 1634, and this was 
continued, under various rules and regulations, with the exception of 
about a year during the Revolutionary War, until 1854. Up to August 
31, 1 81 2, this watch came under the direction of constables, and on this 
date a captain was appointed. The term police does not aj^pear in the 
records until AjM'il 17, 1788, at which time Captain John Ballard and 
two others were chosen as "Inspectors of Police," their duties being 
" to maintain cleanliness and good order in the town." The office of 
Inspector of Police was continued until March 13, 18 17, when it was 
changed to " Superintendent of Police," and this in turn was changed 
to "City Marshal," May 30, 1823. 

The City Marshal had one or more assistants, and on May i, 
1832, a Deputy Marshal was appointed. The Marshal had the direc- 
tion of all the constables when engaged in the service of the town, and 
also of the police force after its organization in 1838, which was 
brought about principally through various disturbances that occurred 
from time to time, including the breaking up of a watch meeting in the 



t '• ' 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Bromfield Street Methodist Church, December 31, 1832, the burning 
of the UrsuHne Convent, Charlestown, October 23, 1835, and the Broad 
Street riot, June 11, 1837. 

A law was passed May 15, 1838, authorizing the Mayor and the 
l^oard of Aldermen of the City of Boston " to appoint, from time to 
time, such police officers for said city as they may judge necessary, 
with all or any of the powers of constables of said city, except the power 
of serving and executing any civil process." 

On May 21, 1838, six police officers were appointed under the new 
law, and were placed on day street patrol duty, under the direction of 
the City Marshal, thus establishing the first regular police organization 
for Boston. The force was increased by degrees, and in 1846 consisted 
of a marshal, a deputy-marshal, six week day and ten Sunday patrol- 
men. On June 22 of that year Francis Tukey was appointed marshal, 
and during the years 1846 and 1847 the city was divided into districts, 
with an officer detailed on each. A clerk was appointed, the force 
increased, and a small night patrol and detective force established. The 
following year a superintendent of hackney carriages and another of 
trucks and wagons was appointed. 

January i, 1850, the force numbered thirty men, and on October 
24, 1 85 I, there were registered in the marshal's book a day force of 
forty-one and a night force of twenty-five. The following year, how- 
ever, owing to irregularities being discovered in the night force, this 
branch of the department was abolished on May 31, and the day force 
was increased to fifty men. On May 22, 1852, a new liquor law was 
passed, imposing serious responsibilities upon the city marshal and in 
which the chief of police was not recognized. In consequence of this it 
appears that the office of city marshal was abolished and a chief of 
police appointed. 

The harbor police, consisting of a captain and ten men, was organ- 
ized July 26, 1853, as a result of the daring actions of a gang who made 
vessels in the harbor their particular prey. Station 8 was established 
the following year for this branch of the department, the force at that 
time numbering sixty-five men. Shortly afterward fifteen members of 
the force were discharged, reducing the number to fifty, it being 
claimed that politics was the main cause for the reduction. 

Beginning in 1852, there was much agitation in favor of uniting 
watch and police, it being claimed that the former were poorly paid, 
and that the two, being distinct and unfamiliar with each other's doings, 
frequently worked against each other's interests, unknowingly. Finally 
May 23, 1853, an act was passed authorizing the City Council of Boston 
to make an ordinance uniting its watch and police departments under 
one head. The matter was taken up by the Board of Aldermen in 
1854 and was passed, but the Common Council refused to concur. The 
Mayor and Aldermen, having the power, took the matter into their own 
hands, and on April 19 passed an "order" to unite. This was followed 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



4'» • 



on May 23, ensuini;', b}- clischari;"iny; ever)- member of the watch and ap- 
pointing out of both departments some two hundred police officers, the 
order taking effect within three days. The chief of police was 
appointed captain of the watch, and the cai)tains and lieutenants were 
appointed constables of the watch. 

In completing the new arrangements, night police districts were 
established on the line of the old watch districts, watch-houses were 
changed to station houses, one captain, two lieutenants and a requisite 
number of patrolmen were detailed to each station, the patrol being 
arranged in three divisions, one for day and two for night duty, through 
which arrangement the entire territory was constantly covered. 

With this sNstem perfected, the watch and police departments 
ceased to exist at six o'clock May 26, 1854, and the new police depart- 
ment assumed its duties as quietly as if nothing had occurred. Almost 
a year later, May 10, 1855, the Common Council concurred, when the 
Board, by way of courtesy, appointed the members of the Council 
special police. 

Under the new system thus organized there was a central office 
and eight stations, located as follows : Central office at City Hall ; 
Station No. 1, Hanover Street; No. 2, Court Square; No. 3, Leverett 
Street ; No. 4, Boylston Place ; No. 5, Canton Street Place ; No. 6, 
Broadway, South Boston ; No. 7, Meridian Street, P2ast Boston ; No. 8, 
(harbor police,) head of Lincoln's wharf. The entire force comprised a 
chief, salary $1,500 per year; two deputies, salary $1,100 each; one 
clerk, salary S800 ; eight captains, $3 per day each ; sixteen lieutenants, 
six detectives, two superintendents of carriages, $2.50 per day each, and 
about 170 patrolmen at $2 per da)- each. 

It was in this year, therefore, that South Boston secured a police 
station and a regularly organized body of men to perform the required 
duties, and since that time the benefits of the system, as then organized, 
have been very evident. The new system proved a success, and under 
it the police force gradually grew until its size made it expedient to ap- 
point sergeants for both night divisions of each station, which was done 
F"ebruary 9, 1857, their duties being to take general supervision while 
on outside duty. 

About 1 860, as a result of criticism, a plan to change the system 
of patrol was consummated, and went into effect November 1 1 of that 
year. The plan was for the forming of the entire force into six divi- 
sions, each division being on and off duty six hours alternately, day 
and night, called the "dog-watch." Upon application it proved to be 
both inadequate and unpopular with all, and on February 25 of the 
following year it was abandoned and the old system reinstalled. 

For several years after the reorganization of the department pris- 
oners held for trial were committed to the jail, being marched to court 
the following morning in gangs handcuffed. This method finally 



434 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

became unpopular, and a carriage was provided, this being the first step 
toward the introduction of the present system of vans. 

In 1854 cells were constructed under the courthouse, and pris- 
oners, after being brought to the station houses, were then locked up in 
these cells to await trial in the morning. As there were no keepers at 
that time, this method was thought imprudent, and in 1857 the cells 
were rebuilt on an improved plan, and on April 26 a superintendent 
and two assistants were appointed, some one of these to be present at 
all times. Later a morning meal was provided for prisoners, as well as 
accommodations and medicines for the sick. Dumb cells were con- 
structed for the insane in 1869, and shortly afterward a messenger was 
provided to do errands free of charge for the prisoners. December 23, 
1862, an ordinance was passed "that each police officer, before enter- 
ing upon his work, shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of the duties 
assigned him." 

On March 17, 1863, an ordinance was passed providing that the 
police " shall severally hold their office until vacated by death or resig- 
nation, or until they may be removed by the Mayor." This ordinance 
did away with the former one that provided " that the Mayor nominate 
annually to the Board of Aldermen, for their confirmation, such num- 
ber of persons for the Boston Police Department as the Board, with the 
approval of the Mayor, shall deem needful." Thus ended the annual 
appointment of officers. The first appointment, under the new ordi- 
nance, was made April i, 1863, and the oath of office was first adminis- 
tered by the city clerk to all members of the department six days 
later. 

The detective force was abolished February 14, 1870, this branch 
of the service being taken up by the regular officers. The following 
year telegraphic communication between the stations and the central 
office was instituted. Station 12 was established in 1874. In 1874 an 
independent system of wires was installed throughout the city. 

This same year the police boat " Protector " went into commission 
and the mounted police squad was organized with twenty- eight horses. 
The following year the distribution of free soup to the poor started, and 
was continued up to 1880. The matter of telephonic communication 
was first broached in 1877. July 8, 1878, the Board of Police Commis- 
sioners was organized, and its first act was a reorganization of the force, 
which was reduced from 701 to 692 men. The following year the 
first annual report of the commissioners was made. The police pension 
system was also started that year. 

In 1882 two ambulances were built and put in operation, and 
between April 30, 1882, and April 30, 1883, were used 509 times. In 
1883-84 the pohce boat " Patrol " went into commission. At the same 
time the present headquarters in Pemberton Square were occupied. On 
July 23, 1885, the Board of Police was created. The Municipal Signal 
Company introduced its system in that year. 



HISTOin- OK SOUTH HOSTON. 435 

The distribution of free soup was resumed in 1886. Tlie follow- 
ing year matrons for the station houses were iirst appointed and the 
Gamewell Police Signal Company introduced its system at Station 4. 

In 1888 a temporary house of detention for women was estab- 
lished, the Municipal Police Signal System was adopted, and the work of 
installing it began, ten of the stations being equipped that year and the 
remainder the following year. On July 27, 1891, the transportation of 
prisoners by the police department was instituted. In 1893 two new 
ambulances were put in operation, and the following year another was 
added. 

In 1895 the Park police, established in 18S3, became a part of the 
regular department. In 1896 the police boat "Guardian" was put in 
com.mission. More police ambulances were put in operation. There 
have been few, if any, important additions to the department within 
the past few years. The department at present consists of over 1000 
patrolmen, 100 reserve officers, 23 captains. There are 16 stations, 
besides the sub-stations organized in 1901. There are nine police 
ambulances in operation. The total cost of running the department in 
1 90 1 was about 51,750,000. 

The following will show the growth of the department since the 
organization of the Boston Police Department, May 26, 1854, when it 
comprised 250 men : 1863, 334 men, and it cost to maintain the 
department $260,000; 1873, 575 men, appropriation for maintenance, 
$700,000; 1885, 783 men; 1887, 815 men; 1900, 1,000 men, besides 
100 reserve officers. 

Station 6. — The site upon which this building stands was, in 
1820, a clay pit, owned by Thomas Gerrish, and the territory enclosed 
by B Street, Broadway, C Street and Plrst Street was used by him as 
a brick yard. The section where the station now stands contained a 
deep strata of the best brick clay that could be found. 

After Mr. Gerrish retired from the brick business the land was 
sold, and later a wooden building was erected on the site now occupied 
by the station. This in time disappeared, and a brick structure took 
its place. The building was erected for a fire engine house, and at the 
rear of the engine room provision was made for the detention of pris- 
oners, while the upper part of the building was used for school pur- 
poses. 

When the building was finished Perkins No. 16 removed from the 
Turnpike Road (Dorchester Avenue) and, taking up quarters in the new 
building, its name was changed to Perkins No. 2. The police officers, 
of which there were about a dozen to patrol the entire district, had their 
headquarters at the rear of the engine room. 

As the population of the district was continually growing, neces- 
sarily the number of patrolmen increased, until finally the quarters pro- 
vided became entirely inadequate. About 1870 the building underwent 



436 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



a thorough overhauHng, Perkins No. 2 changing its name and location, 
and the entire building was taken by the police. It was remodelled 

and fitted up in a manner that 
answered all the purposes to which 
it was to be put. It was then used 
until, having become inadequate 
once more, it was necessary to 
make more changes and additions, 
and in 1879 this was done. 

The city at that time appro- 
priated S20,ooo for the work, and 
it began September 15, 1879, ^^'^^ 
finished in ]\Iarch of the following 
year. While the changes were 
being made the courthouse was 
used as a temporary station, and 
though it took considerable time 
to make the changes that had been 
contemplated, it was a model sta- 
tion house when finished. 

It was at this time that the pres- 
ent cell room adjoining the station 
was built and the three tiers of cells constructed. A rear entrance in 
the form of an open court was also provided, which admitted the van 
within the cell room, and prisoners were then taken out by the rear 
of the station rather than the front. 




POLICE STATION 6. 
West Broadway. 




LIEUT. WILLIAM FOTTLER. 



CAPT. DENNIS DONOVAN. 



LIEUT. FREDERICK J. SMITH. 



When completed, the structure presented practically the same 
appearance as it does today, beiiig of brick, with granite trimmings, 
three stories high above a basement. In the latter, besides the boiler 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 437 

room and kitchen, was a lounging room for tlie officers, wliile the main 
floor contained the main office, captain's office, guard room and cell 
room, the upper floors having sleeping rooms for the officers and men. 

Since the introduction of the signal boxes and patrol wagons 
another addition has been made to the building, which brings it to the 
street line of Athens Street, at the rear. This addition is of brick, and 
is used as a stable for the horses and patrol wagon. 

With the introduction of the police ambulance in 1899, this build- 
ing underwent extensive alterations in order to provide necessary room, 
and it has been kept here since that time. 

There are at present at this station, including the superior officers, 
64 men. The station is in charge of Capt. John T. OT.alor, assisted by 
Lieut. William Fottler, Lieut. Frederick J. Smith, Sergt. James E. 
Sanford, Sergt. Henry Hazlett and Sergt. D. J. Sweeney. 

The folfowing is a list of past captains of Station 6 : Capt. John 
L. Philbrick, May 26, 1854, to September, 1854; Capt. Thomas M. 
Smith, September, 1854, to March 19, 1855; Capt. James D. Russell, 
March 19, 1855, to May 8, 1856; Capt. Robert Taylor, May 8, 1856, 
to December 14, 1866; Capt. Henry T. Dyer, December 17, 1866, 
to about 1876, the time of his resignation, owing to the talk created by 
the Jesse Pomeroy case. Capt. Graves was his successor, remaining 
until October 21, 1878, when Capt. Paul J. Vinal was assigned to the 
station. He remained until October 31, 1885. He was succeeded by 
Capt. Benjamin P. Eldridge, who remained until the appointment of 
Capt. James Coulter, July 12, 1888. Capt. Martin L. White suc- 
ceeded him December 9, 1 890, to November 7, 1891. Capt. James 
Lambert followed, November, 1891, to January 5, 1893. The re- 
mainder were Capt. h'a P^oster, January, 1893, to August 26, 1893; 
Capt. George Wyman, August 26, 1893, to August 30, 1894; Capt. 
Frederick Hoffman, August 30, 1894, to March i, 1898 ; Capt. Dennis 
Donovan, March i, 1898, to Sept. 3, 1901 ; Capt. John T. O'Lalor, 
Sept. 3, 1 90 1, to date. 

Capt. Dennis Donovan was born in L'eland Nov. 20, 1844, and 
came to this country when quite young, and, up to the time of his 
entrance into the police department, he worked in a machine shop in 
Charlestown. He was appointed on the force June 19, 1877, and was 
assigned to Station 15, in Charlestown. Promoted to a sergeancy Feb. 
16, 1888, seven months later he was assigned to special duty as drill- 
master for the department, with an office at headquarters. He was 
made a Heutenant Jan. 5, 1893, still remaining at headquarters, acting 
as as,sistant to Deputy Superintendent Burrill and also continuing as 
drillmaster. He was appointed a captain July 9, 1894, and was 
assigned to Station 2. March i, 1898, he was transferred to Station 
6, where he remained until Sept. 3, 1901, when he was sent to head- 
quarters. He has remained as drillmaster to the department since 



43^^ HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

September 1888, almost 15 years, his duties being to drill recruits, 
and, previous to the processions of the department, he drills the entire 
force. 

Lieut. Frederick J. Smith was born in Boston Sept. 30, 1857, 
and is a son of John F. and Mary J. Smith. He received his education 
in the public schools, graduating from the Eliot School, July 3, 1872. 
In May, 1875, he moved to South Boston, where he resided until Sept. 
24, 1894, when he moved to 175 Union Street, Brighton, his present 
home. He was appointed on the police force June 16, 1882, and 
assigned to Station 6. Jan. 5, 1893, he was promoted to sergeant and 
as.signed to Station 12. He was transferred to Station i, Aug. 30, 
1894, and to Station 5, March i, 1898. He was promoted to the rank 
of lieutenant March 20, i 889, and assigned to Station 6. Lieutenant 
Smith is married and has three children, Frederick W., 17 years; 
Henry J., two years, and Mary C, nine months. He is a member of 
the Boston Police Relief Association and City Point Lodge, Knights of 
Honor. 

Lieut. William P^:)ttler was born in Somerville Feb. 10, 1846. 
He moved to West Roxbury in 1852, where he was educated in the 
Central School, now known as the Agassiz. He engaged in farming 
and the provision business for a few years and was appointed on the 
West Roxbury police force Jan. 5, 1871. When West Roxbury was 
annexed he became a member of the Boston force and July 12, 1877, 
was promoted to sergeant. In 1875 he was sworn in as a member of 
the Dedham force doing duty June 24 and 25. Jan. 5, 1893, the 22d 
anniversary of his entering the police department, he was promoted to 
lieutenant and was assigned to Station 15. He remained at this sta- 
tion until August, 1899, when he was transferred to Station 6, where 
he has been since. January 5, 1901, marked the close of his 30 
years consecutive service as a police officer and official. Lieutenant 
F'ottler is married and his home is in Charlestown. 

Station 12. — Owing to the rapid settlement of South I^oston, it 
gradually became evident that another police station would soon be 
necessary nearer the City Point section, for the beaches and various 
attractions in that vicinity were constantly drawing large crowds of 
people, and being so distant from Station 6, it was very inconvenient as 
well as difficult, to give the place proper attention. Accordingly the 
present site was purchased in 1873, costing 85,431.25, and the station 
was erected at an additional cost of $35,871.58. The lot has a front- 
age of 60 feet on P2ast Fourth Street and a depth of 100 feet. 

The buildmg was built from plans similar to those of Station 9, 
the structure being of brick, three stories high above a basement, in 
which is the boiler room and recreation room, while the rest of the base- 
ment is occupied by cells. 

On the floor above is the main office, the captain's room, guard 
room, kitchen and toilet room. The other two floors contain sleeping 



HISTORY OF SOUTH i;OSTON. 



439 



rooms for tlie sujierior officers and large, airy dormitories for the men. 
The site is enclosed by a l^rick wall aliout six feet high, with the excep- 





POLICE STATION 12. 
East Fourth Street. 



CAPT OTIS F, KIMBALL. 



tion of the street line, a fancy iron fence answering the purpose 
instead. 

When the new building was completed, thirty men, rank and lile, 
were sent to the new police district, which included all of the territory 
east of Dorchester Street, and as far as the Dorchester line. Capt. E. H. 
Goodwin had charge of the new station, assisted by Lieuts. C. P. Elliott 
and D. \V. Herrick and Sergts. J. W. Glynn, Geo. W. Hathaway and 
James H. Lambert. 

The station went into commission on Monday, May ii, 1H74, and 
the first arrest was made by Patrolman Charles H. Tighe, who is at 
present a sergeant at this station. He is the only man of the original 
number there at present, having been sent to Station 12 less than a 
\ear ago, after several years' work at various other stations. Patrol- 
man Michael W. OT^rien, recently retired, was one of the first at this 
station. 

Capt. Otis Ereeman Kimball, son of Wills and Rebecca G. Kim- 
ball, was born in Lebanon, New Hampshire, P'eb. 7, 1856, and received 
his early education there. He came to Boston in 1872 and secured a 
position with a large grocery house as a clerk. Later he took up the 
trade of cabinet maker. In 1884 he married Miss Ella V. Cook. 
Captain Kimball was appointed a patrolman Nov. 27, 1878, and was 
assigned to Station i. Eeb. 16, 1888, he was promoted to a sergeancy 
and was assigned to Station 2. He remained there until Jan. 5, 1893, 



440 



HISTORY OF SOUTH JIOSTON. 



when he was promoted to the position of lieutenant and assigned to 
Station 15. He was transferred from Station 15 to Station 2, Aug. 
26, 1893, and from there was transferred to Station 4, Aug. 27, 1894. 
Aug. 30, 1899, he was transferred to Station i, and from here he was 






SERGT. JAMES F. MICKEY. 



SERGT. THOMAS F. BUSBY. 



SERGT. JAMES E. O'BRIEN. 



promoted to captain and assigned to Station 12, Sept. 3, 1891. He is 
a member of Columbian Lodge, F. & A. M., Norfolk Lodge, L O. O. F. 
He resides at No. 78 Kern wood Street, Dorchester. 

Sergt. James E. O'Brien was born in South Boston, December 
12, 1864, and is a son of Richard and Mary O'Brien. He was educa- 
ted in the public schools of this district and upon concluding his studies 
entered the employ of Dodge, Haley & Co., hardware dealers on Frank- 
lin Street, as a clerk, where he remained for several years. He was 
appointed on the police force, December 12, 1888, and was assigned to 
Station 6, where he remained until April 2, 1899, when he was pro- 
moted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to Station 1 3. He re- 
mained there until December 24, 1900, when he was assigned to Sta- 
tion 12. Sergeant O'Brien is married and resides at 632 East Third 
Street. He has two children, Katherine, three years, and Richard, 
six months. He is a member of the Boston Relief Association and of 
Winthrop Council, Royal Arcanum. 

Sergt. Thomas F. Busby was born in Pictou, Nova Scotia, May 
14, 1865. When three years old he came to South Boston with his 
parents and received his early education in the Bigelow and Lawrence 
Grammar Schools. After finishing his studies he learned the trade of 
wood worker and for several years worked at this trade. May 14, 
1889, he was appointed on the Boston police force and was assigned to 
Station 10. He remained there until August, 1894, when he was 
transferred to Station 4. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant, 
February 16, 1899, and was assigned to Station 12. He remained at 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 44 1 

Station 12 until December 21, 1901, when he was transferred to Sta- 
tion 13. He resides at 1 1 1 Sheridan Street, Jamaica Plain. 

Sergt. James l*". Hickey is a son of Margaret M. and the late 
James Hickey. He was born in Boston April 17, 1861, and received 
his education in the Lyman and Ouincy Schools. After finishing his 
studies he became an engineer and was engaged in that work when he 
was appointed on the force, Sept. 12, 1885. He was assigned to Sta- 
tion 3 and remained there until promoted to the rank of sergeant, Now 
20, 1899, when he was assigned to Station 4. He was transferred to 
Station 12, August 13, 1900, where he remained until July 29, 1901, 
when he was transferred to Station 13. Sergeant Hickey is single 
and resides with his mother at 144 Saratoga Street, East Boston. 

There are at present at this station, including the superior officers, 
55 men. The station is in charge of Capt. Otis F. Kimball, assisted 
by Lieut. Hiram F. Rich, Lieut. William J. Burnett, Sergt. Charles H. 
Tighe, Sergt. James J. Walkins and Sergt. George H. Guard. 

The following is a list of past captains of Station i 2 : Capt. Elisha 
H. Goodwin, May 11, 1874, to January 5, 1893, when he was retired; 
Capt. James H. Lambert, January 5, 1893, to June 9, 1893, died; 
Capt. Philip Warren, promoted, and sent to Station 12, June 24, 1893, 
to November 13, 1893; Capt. Geo. W. Wescott, November 13, 1893, to 
August 30, 1894; Capt. George Walker, August 30, 1894, to January 
20, 1899, died. Lieut. John J. Hanley was promoted to captain and 
sent to Station 12, March 20, 1899, remaining until December 22, 
1899; Capt. Henry Dawson, December 22, 1899, to September 3, 
1901, and Lieut. Otis F. Kimball, promoted to captain and sent to 
Station 12, September 3, 1901. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

The Fire Depaktiment. 

Origin of Boston's firt department — First engine constructed in this country — Noth- 
ing done to protect South Boston until 1S14, ten years after its annexation — 
Gunpowder stored in Fort Strong, South Boston — Estaljlishment of a fire depart- 
ment in 1S25 — Steam fire engines introduced 1S59 — Gradual additions made to 
South lioston's equipment — What the present equipment consists of — Chiefs. 

A BRIEF outline of the org-anization and growth of Boston's model 
fire department is very necessary in order that the reader may 
know of the events that led to South Boston acquiring its pres- 
ent excellent equipment. 

Joseph Jinks constructed a water engine, March i, 1654, the first 
to be used in Boston, and it was manned by whoever happened to be 
present when it was needed. It was not until 1677 that the town 
voted to purchase an engine, which was bought in England. In 1678 
the first company was organized, comprising Thomas Atkins, who was 
in charge, Obediah Gill, John Raynesford, John Barnard, Thomas 
Eldridge, Arthur Smith, John Mills, Caleb Rawlings, John Wakefield^ 
Samuel Greenwood, Edward Mortimer, Thomas Barnard, and George 
Robinson. In 1679 there were several incendiary fires, resulting in 
the destruction of about 80 structures. Two persons were caught and 
charged with the crime and were commanded to depart from the town, 
never to return. During this year the town watch was established, 
the town divided into quarters, and each quarter into two wards, and it 
was the duty of the watch to be vigilant and give prompt alarm in case 
of fire. 

What might be called the first organization of a fire department 
was October 31, 171 1, when fire wards were established with a man in 
each ward, whose duty it was to take supervision in case of a fire in his 
ward, and who was empowered to call upon citizens to aid in extin- 
guishing fires, refusal to obey being punishable. There were ten wards 
in all, in charge of Capt. John Ballentine, Capt. Timothy Clark, Capt. 
Edward Winslow, Capt. Edward Martyn, Stephen Minot, Samuel 
Greenwood, John Greenough, J. Pollard, Thomas Eee and William 
Powder. 

A fire society was organized seven )ears later " for mutual aid in 
case it should please Almighty God to permit the breaking out of fire 
in Boston where we live." 

Up to March, 1740, those who acted as firemen received no re- 
muneration whatsoever. At this time, in order to stimulate the fire 



HISTORY OF SOUTH IJOSTON. 443 

companies, a recompense of fi\e pounds was offered to the company 
getting the first stream upon a burning building. This certainly 
enlivened the members, for it appears that in order to aid them to secure 
the first stream, many carried enough water in the engines to enable 
them to throw a stream immediately upon their arrival. A stop was 
put to this, however, by an order barring such companies from receiv- 
ing the money offered, as the engines were liable to be made useless 
through the freezing of this water. 

In 1765, David Wheeler, a former foreman of luigine No. 8, intro- 
duced an engine complete in every detail, at far less cost than those 
purchased in England, and, on being tested, it proved to be equally as 
good. The first hydrant was put in by Mr. Porter, Nov. 12, 1800, at 
Dover and Washington Streets. 

Various improvements were made in the department before 1804, 
when South Boston was annexed to Boston, and there had been several 
disastrous fires in various parts of the city. Nothing was done toward 
protecting South Boston until 1814, when, on April 27, old Engine No. 
2 was located near the Phcenix glass works. West First and B Streets. 

Previous to this there had been considerable legislation regarding 
the keeping and storing of gunpowder, and in 18 16 another order was 
issued to the effect that those licensed to keep it in their stores could 
do so six hours a day and that then it must be remo\ed to T'ort Strong, 
South Boston, at the risk of the owner. 

A petition was presented by the people of South Boston, March 
21, 1 82 1, asking that an engine be located in the south-westerly part 
of the district, kit the reply was unfavorable. In April, 1823, how- 
ever, three fire wards were chosen from each ward and South Boston 
selected John D. Williams, Noah Brooks and Samuel S. Wheeler. 

Mr. Brooks was a resident of South Boston and he nnmediately 
set to work to procure an engine. About this time, however, a dispute 
arose regarding the payment of the companies and many resigned. 
This difficulty was eliminated in a short time, and then, through the 
efforts of Mr. Brooks, and through a petition presented by the people, 
a Hunneman engine was built and placed in a house beside the Hawes 
School, with Alpheus Stetson in charge. 

This engine was known as Mazeppa 17 and was in charge of 
Alpheus Stetson, captain ; E. French, clerk, and 26 men. This engine 
did excellent service at the fire in the Phoenix glass works, owned by 
Thomas Cains, which occurred March 28, 1824, and which is supposed 
to have been the first big fire in South Boston. 

In the meantime, April 10, 1823, Noah Brooks was succeeded by 
Cyrus Alger, and the following year Artimus Simons succeeded Cyrus 
Alger. 

A bill establishing a fire department was passed June 18, 1825, 
and though there had been considerable opposition to it, the department 



444 HISTORY OF SOUTH liOSTON. 

was organized the following December. This same year Charles 
Dudley became captain of Mazeppa 17, and remained until Jan. 9, 
1826, when he was succeeded by Richard Lock. 

A new house was ordered built for Mazeppa 17, Jan. 6, 1829, and 
it was completed on April i of that year, and when finished a new 
engine with suction hose was provided. Three years later permission 
was granted this company to respond to fires in Dorchester. 

In 1837 Perkins No. 16 was located in a building on Turnpike 
Road (Dorchester Avenue), and remained there until the erection of a 
building on the present site of Station No. 6, Broadway, which was 
constructed with a view to giving accommodations for the engine, a 
place of detention for prisoners, and an armory on the second floor, 
which was occupied for a time by the Mechanic Greys and was after- 
ward used for school purposes. When Perkins 16 went to its new 
quarters it was named Perkins No. 2. 

In 1849 another engine was ordered for South Boston Point. No 
house, however, was provided for it, and, after being in waiting for a 
year, it was finally sold. In 185 1 there were located, in all, 161 
hydrants in South Boston. In this same year the appropriation for 
the fire alarm telegraph was secured. 

The following year, 1852, there were many changes in the depart- 
ment and many companies were reorganized, among them being 
Mazeppa 17, which became known as Mazeppa No. i, with Elijah H. 
Goodwin, captain; H. A. Bowles, assistant, and Alpheus Gleason, 
clerk. 

In 1855 Mazeppa i went out of commission and a new engine was 
provided to take its place. Three years later a new engine house was 
built on East Fourth Street, between K and L Streets, and Engine 
No. 14 was located there, being named Spinney, after Alderman Spin- 
ney. A new company was organized with J. Chambers, captain; S. S. 
Lord, junior assistant, and G. W. Bail, clerk. 

The biggest change in the department occurred in 1859, when 
steam fire engines were introduced. Engine No. i took old Ma- 
zeppa's place Dec. 19 of that year, in charge of the following company : 
Captain William H. Cummings ; Engineer A. H. Perry ; Driver Amos 
Cummings ; Firemen C. W. Cheney, Daniel Hallett, Robert Hender- 
son, Appleton Lathe, N. H. Tirrell, and George O. Twiss. Horse 
hose companies were introduced the following year and a new house 
was constructed on B Street, between Broadway and Athens Street, in 
which was located Hose 9. 

Between 1861 and 1868 the names of the various companies were 
discontinued and they were known, simply by numbers. In the latter 
year, however, the names were again adopted. September 17, of this 
year, Spinney 14 became Spinney 2, and the company was reorgan- 
ized with James Chambers, captain ; Daniel Weston, engineman ; J. B. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 445 

Ckuilt, fireman ; Moses A. Jones, driver; George W. Hail, K. II. Good- 
win, J. B. Lord, Wm. Rand, and David Smith, hosemen. June 28, 
1 86 1, a house was finished on Dorchester Street, for a hand hose com- 
pan}-, known as l^radlee No. 10. 

The building occupied by Engine i, at Dorchester and 1-^ourth 
Streets, was erected in 1868, and, as this was the year when names 
were again adopted, luigine i took the name of its predecessor the 
hand machine, which was known as Mazeppa i. March r6, of this 
same year, districts were assigned the fire engineers. 

In 1872, sixty-eight years after the annexation of South Boston to 
Boston, the equipment in South Boston was as follows : 

Mazeppa, Steam Fire Engine No. i. House, Dorchester and West 
Fourth Streets. Engine built by Boston Locomotive Works. Organ- 
ized Dec. 19, 1859. Weight of engine, including hose carriage and 
300feet of hose as drawn to fires, 10,500 pounds. Capacity, 550gallons 
per minute. 

S. R. Spinney, Steam Fire Engine No. 2. House, r:ast Fourth 
Street, between K and L Streets. Engine built by Amoskeag Manu- 
facturing Company, Manchester, N. H. Organized Sept. 17, i860. 
Put into service August, i860. Weight of engine, including 350 feet 
feet of hose as drawn to fires, 7,700 pounds. Capacity, 400 gallons per 
minuie. 

Walter E. Hawes, Steam Fire Engine No. 15. House, Fourth 
Street, near Dorchester Street. Engine built by Amoskeag Manufac- 
turing Company, Manchester, N. H. Organized and put into service 
December, 1869. Weight of engine, with hose carriage and 500 feet 
of hose as drawn to fires, 8,500 pounds. Capacity, 500 gallons per 
minute. 

Lawrence, Hose Carriage No. 9. House, B and Athens Streets. 
Carriage built by Brigham, Mitchell & Co. Organized and put into 
service Nov. i, i860. Weight of carriage, including 500 feet of 2 1-2 
inch hose and driver, as drawn to fires, 2,120 pounds. 

Bradlee, Hose Carriage No. 10. House, Dorchester Street, Wash- 
ington Village. Carriage built by Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, 
Manchester, N. H. Organized and put into service March i, 1868. 
Weight of carriage, including 1,000 feet of 2 1-2 inch hose and driver, 
as drawn to fires, 2,500 pounds. 

Hancock, Hook and Ladder No. 5. House, Fourth Street, near 
Dorchester Street. Carriage built by Messrs. Hunneman & Co. 
Organized and put into service March 3, 1870. Weight of carriage, in- 
cluding its equipment of 16 ladders, 2 fire hooks, 5 crotch-poles, 4 axes, 
4 rakes, 4 guy-ropes, 6 ladder-dogs, 2 hammers and 2 lanterns, 5,500 
pounds. 

A new engine took Mazeppa I's place Sept. 17, 1872, and the fol- 
lowing year a new engine house was finished at Broadway and Dorches- 
ter Avenue, and Walter E. Hawes No. 15 was removed from Hancock 



446 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTOX. 



Hook and Ladder No. s's house, on Fourth Street, to the new structure. 
It was in this year, also, that the first fire boat, the William M. Fland- 
ers, was added to the department. 





CHEMICAL 8 
B and Athens Streets 



HOOK AND LADDER 5. 
West Fourth Street, near Dorchester Street. 



The most important event of the year 1873 was the establishing of 
anew fire department, through an act of the City Council Oct. 13, with 
Timothy T. Sawyer, Alfred P. Rockwell and David Chamberlin, com- 





ENGINE 43. 
Andrew Square. 



ENGINE 15. 
Broadway and Dorchester Avenue. 



missioners ; William A. Green, chief engineer ; Joseph Dunbar, John 
Bartlett, Wm. H. Cunningham, Samuel Abbott, Jr., John W. Regan, 
George Brown, George C. Fernald, John Colligan, James Monroe, J. 
Foster Hewins, assistant engineers, and in charge of districts in the 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



44; 



order named, George Brown being in charge of District 6, which in- 
cluded " all that part of Boston known as South Boston." 

The building now at the corner of Fourth and O Streets was con- 
structed during 1873, and Hose Company No. 12 was organized, 
consisting of nine men, in charge of John Brown, and both hose carriage 
and company went into commission at the same time. 

During 1874-75 various improvements were made in the depart- 
ment, and the reports for those years show that some excellent work 
was performed. In 1876 the stalls for the horses were re-arranged, so 
that the animals could take their places at the apparatus by passing 
through the front of the stall, through swinging doors that opened 
by pulling a lever. In this way the horses did not have to back out 
and turn about , thereby saving some time. In this year the aerial 
ladder was introduced and a "self propeller" engine, which had a trial 
the previous year, proved to be a success. The Protective Depart- 
ment, which was organized and went into commission in 1875, received 
favorable mention, as did also the repair shop also started in 1875. 

In 1877 an engine house was erected in Brighton, one on Mt. 
Vernon Street, Roxbury, and another at Egleston Square. The follow- 
ing year relief valves for shutting off the hose, without notifying the 
engineer, were introduced. Various improvements were made the 
succeeding year. In 1880 the bill for pensioning firemen was passed. 
In this year a serious fire occurred at 128 Gold Street, a house occu- 
pied by four families. Seven persons lost their lives. 

The sliding pole, now in use in all the houses in the department, 
was introduced in 18S1. In this year the Board decided that it would 
be too expensive to make all call companies permanent, as it would 
cost$i 57,580. In place of this it was favorable to making the com- 
panies of South Boston, East Boston, Roxbury and Charlestown perma- 
nent, which could be done at a cost of less than $20,000. 

In 1882 Hose No. 12's house on East Fourth Street was fitted 
up as an engine house, and it then became Engine No. 2's quarters, and 
Hose No. 12 moved into Engine No. 2's old quarters, after they had 
been fitted up for such accommodation. Several of the houses were 
equipped with swinging harness, during that year, and the order com- 
pelling all companies to rejjort on the floor at all alarms, also went into 
effect. A Greenleaf water tower was added to the department that 
year. 

Hose wagons were introduced in 1883, and b}' the following year 
had so demonstrated their superiority over the hose carriages that a 
large number were added to the department. In 1885, Engine 2 and 
Ladder 5 were made permanent, and both houses underwent thorough 
repairs. In 1886 there were 33 fire-alarm boxes in South Boston. 
There were five fire bells in the district, as follows : Engine i, compo- 
sition, weight 2,91 1 ; Engine 2, composition, weight 800 ; Lawrence 



448 



IIISTOKV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



School, steel, weight 3,400 ; I.incoln School, composition, weight 3,1 10; 
Ticknor School, steel, weight 2,995. All of these bells are still owned 
by the city, but at present are not in use, having been disconnected 
several years ago. 




fE5 



\ I* I! II 



UM. ^WM 



ENGINE 2. 
East Fourth and Streets. 



ENGINE 38-39. 
Congress Street. 



The office of fire marshal originated in 1887, and the patrol .sys- 
tem was inaugurated that year. During January, 1888, there were 75 
bell alarms, the largest number for a month in the history of the depart- 
ment. Chemical No. 8 went into commission that year. 




COMBINATION TRUCK 4. 
East Fourth St., near L Street. 



ENGINE I. 
Dorchester Street. 



HORSELESS ENGINE 38. 
Congress Street, 



In 1889 it was again urged that the South Boston companies be 
made permanent. An appropriation of $510,000 was granted that 
year to be expended in enlarging the^department, which included the 



IIISTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



449 



erection of quarters for Engine 38-39 on Congress Street, and Engine 
No. 43 and Combination No. 3 in Andrew Square, including apparatus 
and equipment, besides $165,000 for a fire-proof headquarters. The 
following year work began on the Congress Street house. Pompier 
ladders were supplied to some of the hose wagons, and three-horse 
hitches were introduced that year. 

Work on the Congress Street house continued during 1891 and in 
1892 the double company went into commission. Work progressed on 
the house in Andrew Square. The site on Bristol Street was secured 
for fire department headquarters that year. Combination No. 2 took 
old Hose No. 12's house in May, 1893. That same year the new build- 
ing in Andrew Square was completed, and, March 3, the company 
went into commission. A request for a new ladder house for South 
Boston was made that year. 

A wrecking wagon for the department was secured in 1894 and 
that same year 850,000 was appropriated for the construction of a new 
fire-boat. In 1895-96 no important changes or improvements were 
made. In 1897 the horseless engine, known as Propeller No. 38, took 
the place of Engine 38 at Congress Street and has been in use since 
that time. 

The need of a ladder company in the vicinity of Congress Street 
was again urged in 1 898, as many large buildings had been erected in 
that vicinity. A fuel house was established in old Hose No. 10 house on 
Dorchester Street and Combination No. 3 was mstalled in the house in 
Andrew Square that year. In 1899, an appropriation having been 
secured, plans were drawn for the new ladder house and a site secured 
on Pittsburgh Street for it. During 1900 and 1901 there were no 
important changes, with the exception of fitting engines and hose 
wagons wdth rubber tires. P21ectrical hose connections, by which hose- 
men can notify the engineer when to turn on and shut off water, were 
introduced at that time. 

The names of district chiefs of South Boston (District 6) have been 
as follows: Thomas B. Warren, 1838 to 1840; John Green, Jr., 1840 
to 1847; Brewster Reynolds, 1847 to 1849; John Davis, 1849 to 1851 ; 
James Wood 1851 to 1852 ; George G. Thom 1852 to 1856 ; George F. 
Hibbard, 1856 to 1859; George Brown, 185910 1882; S. P. Abbott, 
1882 to 1885 ; John A. Mullen, 1885 to 1901 ; Edwin A. Perkins, 1901 
to date. 

The South Boston companies are in charge of the following 
officers : Combination No. 3, Lieutenant Michael Norton ; Combina- 
tion No. 2, Lieutenant John H. Murphy ; Chemical No. 8, Lieutenant 
Thomas J. Muldoon ; Engine No. i. Captain Charles Ingersoll ; Engine 
No. 2, Captain John H. Ewers; P^ngine No. 15, Captain Charles P. 
Smith; Engine No. 38-39, Captain Stephen J. Ryder; Engine No. 43, 
Captain William Coulter ; Ladder No. 5, Captain Edward D. Locke. 



450 



HIS TOR V OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



The present equipment of District No. 6 (South Boston) is as 
follows : — 



Combination No. 3 (Truck), Andrew Square, Chemical and Ladder, . 
Combination No. 2 (Wagon), East Fourth Street, Chemical and Hose, 

Chemical No. 8, B Street, 

Juigine No. I, Dorchester Street, .... 
Engine No. 2, East Fourth and O Streets, 
luigine No. 15, Dorchester Avenue and Broadway, 
l':ngine No. 38 (Self-Propeller), Congress Street, . 
Engine No. 39, Congress Street, . . . . 

Engine No. 43, Andrew Square 

Ladder No. 5, West Fourth Street, near Dorchester Street, 
Ladder No. 18, Pittsburgh Street, .... 

There are six horse host-wagons in the district, one for each engin 



Put in Service. 
January, 1898 
May, 1893 

October 27, 1887 
April I, 1890 
November, 1890 
February, 1893 
June, 1897 

June 14, 1901 
March 3, 1893 
March 3, 1870 

i: house. 





ASST. CHIEF JOHN A. MULLEN B. F. D. 



DISTRICT CHIEF EDWIN A. PERKINE 



Assistant Chief John A. Mullen, of the Boston Fire Department, 
was born in South Boston, June 2, 1850, and is a son of Michael 
and Bridget Mullen. He was educated in the public schools of his 
native place and later learned the trade of iron moulder. June 12, 
1874, he was appointed a member of the fire department and was 
assigned to Engine 15, and Aug. 9, 1876, he was assigned to Engine 
23. He was promoted to captain of Engine 15, Aug. 8, 1881, and 
was made chief of District 6 (South Boston), Aug. 20, 1885. He was 
promoted to second assistant chief of the department, Nov. 12, 1897, 
and March 29, 1901, was promoted to his present rank, that of assistant 
chief, with headquarters on Mason Street. Chief Mullen married Miss 
Ellen M. Burke, March 4, 1878, and they have five children, William 
L., John A., Mary J., Helena and Gertrude. He is a member of the 
Firemen's Charitable Association, Firemen's Mutual Insurance Associ- 
ation, South Boston Council, K. of C, Ancient Order of United 



HISTORY OF SOUTH F.OSTON. 45 I 

Workmen and the Improved Order of Heptasophs. He resides at 476 
East F'oLirth Street. 

District Chief Ed.vin A. Perkins of the 6th chstrict, 1^. F. U., is a 
-son of Samuel P. and Annie R. Perkins, and was born May n, 1855, 
at Behnont, N. H. He came to Boston in i S63 and was educated in 
the pubhc schools, after which he learned the trade of carpenter. He 
entered the fire department and was assigned to p:ngine 21, in May, 
1875. In December, 1880, he was transferred to Engine 10, and two 
years later was promoted to the rank of heutenant. In 1887 he was 
promoted to the rank of captain and assigned to Ladder 5. For four- 
teen years he was in charge of that piece of apparatus, when in March, 
1 90 1, he was promoted to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of 
District Chief John A. Mullen, and has since been chief of District 6. 
Chief Perkins is married, his wife formerly being Miss Mabel D. Dut- 
ton. The)- have one son, Alfred E. Perkins. Chief Perkins is .a 
member of the Boston Firemen's Relief Association, Firemen's 
Charitable Association, and the New England Order of Protection. 
He resides at 93 Bird Street, Dorchester. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
Industries and Occupations. 

Former Industrial Activity — Reasons for the removal of manufactories and mills — 
Indications of a return of business enterprises and prospects of increased pros- 
perity — New buildings on the Commonwealth Lands — More local pride — Grow- 
ing tendency of citizens to trade in their own community — New and enlarged 
stores — Business in 1901 — Classified occupations of the people in 1895 — Leading 
business and mercantile establishments. 

ONCE the scene and centre of busy thrift and industry, second to 
no other section in the entire United States, South Boston gradu- 
ally lost its factories and mills, ship yards and iron works, until, 
during the closing quarter of the 19th century, there was only a sem- 
blance of the former activity. The increased cost of freight and coal 
was largely responsible for this change, and the iron works and large 
factories either went out of existence or removed to states where coal 
could be secured at a cheaper price. 

The district, however, seems to be, now, in the year 1901, the 
opening of the 20th century, on the very eve of another period of in- 
dustrial importance, and many are the indications that in a few years 
certain sections of South Boston will be transformed into building's 
wherein again may be heard the clang of the hammer, and workingmen 
and workingwomen will be busy at the bench or in the shop. Remark- 
able changes have already taken place on the made land, between Fort 
Point Channel and the Reserved Channel, known as the Commonwealth 
Lands. This filling in was accomplished after a quarter of a century 
of work, flats reclaimed from tide-water comprising more than 200 
acres. Much of this territory has been sold, by the Commonwealth, to 
large manufacturing firms and corporations, and already there are 
nearly a dozen large buildings occupied by busy manufacturing con- 
cerns. An immense candy factory, three big concerns combined in 
the manufacture of all varieties of toothsome luxuries, has just been 
completed, and numerous other large establishments are projected. 

In other sections of South Boston, also, buildings, for manufactur- 
ing purposes, are being erected and it is probable that certain sections 
of South Boston will be largely occupied by such industries, while else- 
where will be strictly residential communities and, as usual, the princi- 
pal thoroughfares, such as West and a portion of East Broadway, Dor- 

hester Street and a few other streets will contain large stores and 

mcantile establishments. 

Business in the marts of trade has improved in recent years and 
there seems to be a stronger and a growing indication of the people to 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 453 

trade at home. At one time many believed it was impossible to secure 
the best goods anywhere excepting in the large stores in the city proper, 
but the confidence of the storekeepers, shown by the enlarging of their 
establishments, the erection of new buildings and the increase in the 
number of stores, has increased the confidence of the people. All 
these are said to be paying fairly good profits and with the tendency of 
the people still growing toward the policy of spending money in their 
own community there are bright and prosperous times assured for 
South Boston. There are many evidences of the fact that the citizens 
realize more and more that a dollar spent in their own district means 
so much more benefit for that community. 

The stores of South Boston sell almost everything that is pur- 
chasable from a paper of pins to a ton of coal, or any much larger 
commodity. The prices are everywhere reasonable and no greater 
than have to be paid for similar articles elsewhere. 

^-"-j^An idea of the mercantile and industrial situation in the district 
may be obtained from the following statistics. The first group indi- 
cates the number of establishments in South Boston in each class of 
the leading trades in 1901, and the second group (taken from the 1895 
census) indicates the occupations of all the people. 

BUSINESS OF 1901. 

A aothecai ies 25 Hardware Dealers 6 

Auctioneers 7 Harness Makers 7 

Bakers 64 Hatters 3 

Blacksmiths 10 Horse Shoers 13 

Boat and Yacht Builders 2 Jewelers and Watch Makers 7 

Boots and Shoes (retail) i S Kitchen Furnishing Goods 6 

Brewers 4 Liquor Dealers (retail) 5^3 

Carpenters and Builders 30 Machinists 12 

Carriage Builders. 4 Masons, Colorers and Whiteners 9 

Cigars and Tobacco 12 Milk Dealers 14 

Clothing (retail) 7 Milliners : ■ • . 24 

Coal and Wood (retail) 14 Painters 24 

Confectioners 14 Paper Hangers 5 

Dressmakers 30 Photographers 4 

Dry Goods (retail) 22 Plumbers ^ 

Fancy Croods ^ Printers 3 

Fish Dealers (retail) 1 1 Provision Dealers 34 

F"lorists 8 Roofers 6 

Fruit Dealers lO Stable Keepers .18 

Furniture Dealers 15 Stoves, Ranges, Etc 5 

Gas Fitters 3 Tailors 33 

Grocers 182 Upholsterers 7 

Hairdressers S6 Variety Stores S3 

CLASSIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 

(Comprising professions, trades or branches of business upon which South Boston people 

chiefly depend for support. 
Taken from the Census of Massachusetts of 1895, prepared under the direction of Horace (•. Wadlin, Chief 
of the Bureau of Statistics of Labor. ) 
Division of Classes. Total. Male. Female 

Population. 

67.913 33.850 34.063 



454 IIISTORV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

Cl,ASSIKIKD OCC UP AT I UN'S Conliltucd. 

Division of Classes. • t„. , ,, , 

■lo'al. Male. Female. 

(rUVERXMK.NT EMPLOY. 

National ^^i 695 56 

State '76 176 

City ^^ 24 42 

Armv 499 485 14 

Navy ..:;;::::' : ' ^ 

^ 9 9 

I'RUKESSIO.N'AL. 

Religion ~-^ 405 321 

Law "."..::::::::::::::. ?° f 3^ 

Medicine "'^ \^ 4 

Literature 9° ^3 7 

Art ^^ 31 14 

Music •.."''.!!.'!'!!!!!'; 8~ "^^ '' 

Amusements , 47 38 

Education . . •'^ 44 7 

Science...... "^ \^ -06 

09 69 

DoMEsric Service. 

Boarding and Lodging ' ^'";J ;f 9 ' 6,245 

Domestic Service (families) ' ^Vl ~ ]l. 343 

Housewives and Housework i c ni c ^^ 

Persunai. Service. 
(Such as clerks to professional men, nurses, matrons, janitors, washerwomen, etc.) 

',683 y78 705 

1 KAUKS. 

Merchants and Dealers ^'o^r ■^''^° ''^-^^ 

Salesmen and Saleswomen ,\~X , ^'"^ '" 

Accountants, Clerks, etc :fl '°?^ 593 

Agents, Bankers, Brokers, etc ,8. ' 'so 

Messengers, Porters, etc " t Z^? 4 

9/ J 700 207 

Transporiatiun. 

Carriers on Roads ^'^^6 3,66r ,5 

Carriers on Steam Railroads "'77 ^ '^'iVi "^ 

Carriers on Seas and Rivers , ri " 

' J- ' J- 

Manueactures. 
(Including 32 leading industries.) 

Artisans' Tools '°'^-^^^ "'^^'^ -966 

Boots and Shoes \\\' \ fC'^ ^^\ 

Boxes (paper and wooden) ." .' ^"' 353 175 

Brick, Tiles and Sewer Pipe '.''.'..'. ^^, f 77 

Brooms, Brushes and Mops .... 68 ^ - 



Building o^ 

D ,, s , 1/ 1,864 

Buttons and Dress Trimmings 88 

Carriages and Wagons \\ j ,5 

Clocks.Watches and Jewelry ^r 

Clothing ^ -"] 

Cotton Goods : : : '°°' 489 .,512 



Carriages and Wagons ' j,^ [ ^ 

Clocks.Watches and Jewelry '" ^r 



68 



'7 5' 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 4::; 5 

Classified Occupai u)N.s — Concluded. 
Manufacturers — Concluded. 

Division of Classes. Total. Male. 1 emale. 

Drugs and Medicines 8 4 4 

Electrical Apparatus and Apjiliances 218 144 74 

Food Preparations 309 274 35 

Furniture 250 228 22 

Gas and Residual Products 25 25 

(Jlass 66 64 2 

I .eather 90 73 17 

l.iciuors : malt, distilletl and fermented 86 84 2 

Lumber 17 17 

Machines and Machinery 809 808 i 

Metals and Metallic CJoods 1 ,007 989 18 

Musical Instruments and Materials 166 166 

Photographs and Materials 33 , 29 4 

Printing, Publishing an*cl Bookbinding 1,130 694 436 

Rubber and P^lastic Goods 112 39 73 

Saddlery and Harnesses 46 44 2 

Shipbuilding 96 96 

Stone 125 125 

Tobacco, Snuff and Cigars 215 166 49 

Wooden Goods 318 317 i 

Woollen Goods 34 14 20 

1,AI!()KKKS. 

3,206 3,202 4 

Agriculture 37 37 

Manufactures 791 791 

All others 2,378 2,374 4 

CHILDKEX Ar WilKK. 

(Children of ages ro to 14, both inclusive, who both work and go to scliool, or who 

work only.) 

113 71 42 
Scholars. 

12,400 6.127 6,273 

Public .Schools 11,256 6,060 Si'Q^ 

Private Schools . . . 'tI44 67 '.077 

Stcdknts. 

194 141 53 

R El- 1 RED. 

804 504 300 

I'.N'EMPI.fJVKli 12 Mo.NrilS. 

A r Home. 
(Children too young to be at school.) 

9.0(>8 4,575 4,523 

Among the long established and reputable business establishments 
in South Boston are the following : 

The Hersev IvIanufacturi\(. Company, corner of E and West 
Second Streets, is one of the few survivors of the old industries of the 
district. Although it is nearly fifty years since the works were estab- 
lished, it has had a prosperous existence and is now one of the busiest 



456 



niSTUK\' OF SULTJl BOSTON, 



and most flourishing companies for the manufacture of machinery in 
the city. Its works are large and it employs i 50 men. 

In 1859 Walter E. Hawes and Charles H. Hersey established the 
firm under the name of Hawes & Hersey, the business being limited 
to the building of steam engines and general machinery. Six years 




.<5fy.rf» 



HERSEY MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 
E anri West Second Streets. 



later Francis C. Hersey, who had been the firm's representative in 
South America, was admitted to the firm, and the business enlarged. 
In 1872 Mr. Hawes retired from the business, which was afterward 
conducted under the name of Hersey Brothers. The business had 
rapidly increased and manufactured patented machinery, including 
machines for making granulated cube and block sugars. Since then 
the establishment has manufactured improved machinery for refining 
salt, manufacturing soap and for making malt automatically. The 
manufacture of water meters was begun in 1885, when the Hersey 
Meter Company was established, and was very successful. 

In 1890 a new company was organized, known as the Hersey Man- 
ufacturing Company, which took in the meter company and the general 
business of the Hersey Brothers. The Messrs. Hersey were placed 
at the head of the new company, with James A. Tilden as general 
manager and Henry D. Winton as assistant manager. Since 1896 
Francis C. Hersey, Jr., has been connected with the company. 

The Messrs. Hersey have been well known in South Boston for 
more than fifty years, and have occupied prominent positions in the 
city government, and in the banks and railroads. 



HISroRV ( 'F Si )l III roSTON. 



457 




The Jennky 
Man u FACT UK- 
iNG Company, 
another of the 
old establish- 
ments of South 
Boston, is still 
flourishing; 



prosperous, 
officers of 



and 

The 

the 

company, Ber- 
nard Jenney, 
president, and 
Walter Jenney, 
superintendent, 
are well known 
throughout the 
district, where 
they are recog- 
z nized as leading 
I citizens. The 
8^ treasurer, Ed- 
^1 ward 1. Dilla- 
^v, way, a resident 
§5 of Maiden, and 
3 1 - connected with 
5"? the firm since 
>u 1869, is one of 
z the prominent 
^ oil merchants of 
New England, 
and respected 
throughout the 
trade. It is no 
exaggeration to 
say that South 
Boston never 
had a more loyal 
or public spirited 
resident than 
Bernard Jenney. 
In the refining 
of petroleum and 
the manufacture 
of burning oils, 
this company oc- 
cupies a leadmg 
position in the 
business world. 



45^"^ 



HISTURV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



and it is also distinguished as being one of the very few that were 
not absorbed by the oil trust. 

Isaac and Stephen Jenney established the business at 50 State 
Street in 181 2, and the refining of petroleum was begun in 1861, when 
the business was carried on by Bernard Jenney and his brother, Fran- 
cis H. Jenney, under the name of Stephen Jenney & Co. In 1884 the 
Jenney Manufacturing Company was incorporated. 

The works of the Jenney Manufacturing Company are located at 
the corner of E and West First Streets. The oils manufactured here 
have a world-wide reputation, being of the very highest grade of ex- 
cellence. The works have a capacity of more than 500 barrels of oil 
a day. 

Bernard Jenney, a native of Boston, has been a resident of South 
Boston since 1837. I'-arly in his youth he was engaged in the manu- 
facture of chemicals, and afterward of a burning fluid, composed of a 
mixture of camphene and alcohol. Although never aspiring to public 
office, Mr. Jenney has been prominent in the affairs of the district, and 
has a wide acquaintance among its residents. 

Walter Jenney is a native of South Boston and was always in the 
employ of his father. He graduated from the Bigelow and the English 
High Schools, and continued his education at the Institute of Tech- 
nology, graduating in the class of 1877. 

The S. a. Woods Machine Company, occupying large buildings 
on Dorchester Avenue, at the foot of D Stieet, is another of the old 







^3' t ' 




S A. WOODS MACHINE COMPANY 

Dorchester Avenue, near D Street, 



established manufacturing com])anies, the original business having been 
started in 1854, on First Street, near E Street, when the firm consisted 



IISI'ORV OF SOUTH liOSTON. 



459 



of S. A. Woods and SolonuMi S. Gra\', under the name of Gray & 
Woods. For five years this partnership continued, and from 1859 to 
1873 the business was conducted by Mr. Woods. In the latter year 
the business was incorporated, and has so continued ever since. 

In the minufacture of \v,):)d working machinery this company has 
attained a world-wide re|)utation, and from a small beginning a large 

establishment has grown. 
The company has more than 
fifty patents for devices and 
improvements in woodwork 
machinery and nearly one 
hundred medals have been 
awarded by industrial exhibi- 
tions. In 1866 the works re- 
moved to the present location. 
The present officers of the 
corporation are S. A. Woods, 
president, Frank F. Woods,, 
treasurer and manager. 

S. A. Woods, a native 
of Farmington, Me., is de- 
scended from intercolonial 
ancestry, and was educated 
in the district school of his 
native place and at the Farm- 
ington Academy. When 
twenty years of age he began 
work as a carpenter. In 
later years he removed to 
South Boston, representing 
the district in the Common 
Council in 1869-70 and 
1 87 1. He is a member of several leading organizations of the city. 

Frank V. Woods was born in South Boston and educated in the 
public schools and at the Highland Military Academy, Worcester. He 
entered his father's employ in 1876, and advanced rapidly from the 
bench to his present position. He was a member of the Legislature 
from Ward 15 in 1888, and is now a member of numerous leading 
organizations. 

Fred A. Cheney, secretary of the corporation, has been in the 
employ of the company many years, and has gained his -promotions by 
perseverance and attention to duties. 

Murphy's Corner is rapidly getting to be the centre of trade- 
in the peninsular district. William H. and James J. Murphy, brothers, 
and their sister, Miss M. A. Murphy, are proprietors of one of the 




■RANK F. WOODS. 



460 



HISTORV OF SOL'TII IJOSTON. 



largest dry goods stores in the district, located at the corner of F 
Street and West Broadway. Its features are the thirty or more de- 
partments on one floor, prices no hio;her and often much lower than 




William H. Murphy. 



P^URPHY'S— BETHESDA BUILDING, 
F Street and West Broadway. 



James J Murphy. 



these asked for similar goods in the city stores, best quality and greatest 
\ariety of articles, and, above everything else, what is so much appreci- 
ated by shoppers, courteous and attentive salespeople. From a small 
store opened in 1895, at 383 West Broadway, with but one clerk, this 
establishment has grown to its present immense proportions, employing 
nearly fifty clerks. 

The trio comprising this firm are well known. It was in 1900 that 
they moved to the present location and the business has .since in- 
creased, so that at times it seems as if still more space would have to 
be secured. The store is well arranged and the stock comprises every- 
thing that a well-equipped dry goods and gentlemen's furnishing es- 
tablishment should have. Thousands of South Boston and Dorchester 
people are regular customers, and they have patrons from elsewhere, 
and a large business by mail. 



iiisT()i<\' oi' soL'Tii i;()sr(j\. 



461 



F"alvey Brothers Company Ik ildinc, corner West Broadway and 
F street, is one of the most prominent in South Boston, both for its mag- 
nificent appearance and for the extensiv^e business carried on there. 
It is known as the "Falvey Building" and its four floors and basement, 
each containing 1 2,000 square feet, give an idea of its size.. This 













■{£'■ 



^^ 1 



FALVEY BUILDING— (J. F. and W. H. FALVEY.) 
West Broadway and F Street. 

floor space is utilized by the many departments, including dry goods,, 
millinery, cloaks and suits, furniture, carpets and draperies, house fur- 
nishings, boots and shoes and other departments. It is a complete de- 
partment store at the very doors of South Boston's residents, and can 
supply all wants, great or small. 

James H. Corney & Co., probably the largest dry goods dealers 
east of Dorchester Street, located at the corner of M and East Fourth 

Streets, occupy the 
entire first floor 
of that building. 
Nov. I, 1883, Burns 
& Corney started 
business at 83 O 
Street, where they 
remained until De- 
cember, 1889, when 
the store corner of 
N and East Fourth 
Streets was occupied by James H. Corney, Mr. Burns ceasing 
to be a member of the firm. The business increased rapidly until, in 
November, 1901, the store was moved to its present location. 




J H. CORNEY & CO. 
M and East Fourth Streets 



462 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 






W| 


^^K^l 


"^^^H 


^^L 


rwU 




f^l 


^^S 


fc^ ^tfjEHU 




^H 



JOHN P. QUIGLEY. 



JAMES E. PRAY. 



John M. Sullivan, dry goods merchant, at 441 West Broadway, 

started in business in South Boston, Sept. 28, 1889, and in 1895 was 

obhged to enlarge his estabHshment. His store is now 75 \ 35 ft. and 

contains a complete stock. Mr. Sullivan is one of the most reputable 

merchants in South Boston. 

OuiGLEV & Pray, furniture dealers, at 276 West Broadway, 

started in business at that place, in 1882, with a floor space of 20 x 60 

ft., and they now occupy five times that area. Messrs John P. Ouig- 

ley and James E. Pray were formerly employed by leading upholstery 

and furniture houses in the city, 
and have a thorough knowledge 
of their business. 

John P. Ouigley was born in 
South Boston, Oct. 27, 1833, and 
has always lived in this district, 
being one of the best known of 
its citizens. He was an iron 
moulder by trade, but in 1873 
went to work for Jeremiah Carey, 
corner of Broadway and C Street, 
where he learned the furniture 
business, and in 1882 formed the 
}_)artnership with Mr. Pra}'. 
James li. Pray was born on a farm in Waukegan, 111., Oct. 25, 

1850, came to Boston with his mother when nine years of age, and at 

12 entered the law office of K. S. Traynor. He then learned the 

upholstery business. Beginning in 1875. and for two years, he was 

■connected with the 

fire alarm department 

under John F. Ketmard, 

after which he went to 

work for John H. Pray 

Sons & Co., remaining 

five years, and then 

formed the partnership 

with Mr. Ouigley. He 

was elected to the Leg- 
islature of 1887 and 

served on the important 

•committee on claims. 

He is a member of the 

A. O. U. W., Royal 

Arcanum, Knights of 

■Columbus, A. O. H., 

and an honorary member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He is 

miarried, has five children, and lives at 60 G Street. 




P F. CAREY S STORE 
F Street and West B'oadway. 



HISTORY UF SOUTH liOSTON. 463 

P. F. Carey, dealer in furniture, carpets, rugs and similar house 
furnishings, is located at the corner of F Street and West Broadway. 
The building is a new and magnificent three story structure, the entire 
floor space of which is used for the display of the extensive and varied 
stock of the establishment, and it can unhesitatingly be stated that 
no other district of Boston has a store of a like size devoted to this 
particular line. 

No other firm has any better reputation than that of V. F. Carey, 
cither for quality of goods sold, or its manner of doing business. Mr. 
Carey owns and controls his own factory, and also conducts another ex- 
tensive furniture and carpet store in the city proper, at 727 Washing- 
ton Street. 

The James Ellis Co:\n^\NV, furniture dealers, at the corner of 
Broadway and B Street, is one of the oldest established in the district, 
having formerly been conducted by A. G. Neary, and later by C. H. 
Robinson. In 1884 Mr. F^llis joined partnership with Mr. Lewis, 
under the name of Ellis & Lewis. The partnership was later dis- 
solved. Mr. E\\\s conducted the business alone for many years, and 
recently it was incorporated as the James Ellis Co. 

The Murray & Tregurtha Company, builders of yachts and 
launches, gasoline engines, Tregurtha water tube boilers, steam en- 
gines, etc., are located at 340 West First Street, where their works 
cover two acres and have a water 
front of 250 feet. This company 
was incorporated in 1900 under the 
laws of Massachusetts, succeeding 

the firm of Murray & Tregurtha, ; ) 

^^^ich was established in the year k mnPF^. ^ J 

1887, locatmg origmally on High ,^^ ^ ' -^'wrmumk ^vt^_^ 

moving to South Boston in 1891. murray & tregurtha launch. 

The directors of the company, 

Messrs. John A. Murray, James Tregurtha and George F:. Tregurtha, 
are practical men of long experience, and their product has attained an 
excellent and wide-spread reputation, not only throughout the United 
States, but also in foreign countries. 

The George Lawley & Sox Corporation, F^ast Fir.st Street, 
was founded by George Lawley. In 1866, with his son, George F. 
Lawley, he was in bu.siness in Scituate, and in 1874 they were induced 
to move to South Boston. This company built the famous cup de- 
fenders, "Puritan," "Jubilee" and "Mayflower," and during the pres- 
ent year, 1 901, the well-known Lawson boat, " Independence." They 
also built the torpedo boats " De Long " and " Blakely." About 300 
men are employed during the busy season. 

The National Magazine, whose plant occupies the entire third 
floor of the new Potter building, corner of West First and Colton 



464 HISTORY OF SOiril 150ST0X. 

Streets, is one of the landmarks of American journalism. From the 
smallest beginning, as the Kostonian, in 1894, the National has grown 
to be all that its name implies. Its enormous circulation is truly 
national in scope, its list in Texas, for instance, being only second to 
that in Massachusetts. The National is one of the great news mag- 
azines which have come to be of the feature of periodical journalism 
within the past half decade, and belongs in the same class with 
McClure's, Review of Reviews and The World's Work. Like all suc- 
cessful publishing enterprises, it has had to carve out a path of its 
own. Its practical sentiment, as its name implies, is patriotism ; and 
in Joe Mitchell Chappie, the publisher, who was born in Iowa, and is 
still under 35, we have a type of the progressive, patriotic, American 
business man of cultural tastes. The National printing plant is one of 
the best in Boston, consisting of five new Miehle presses of the highest 
standard of perfection, and a complete outfit for the production of finest 
printing and binding. The National probably prints more interesting- 
pictures of the people who are doing the world's work than any other 
periodical in America. The late President McKinley was a friend 
and constant adviser of the magazine ; Senator M. A. Hanna is cne of 
the leading contributors ; President Roosevelt, Admiral Dewey, and 
other leading members of the administration, are its patrons and 
friends. The National employs a force of 65 employees at its South 
Boston plant, where the entire publication is manufactured from start 
to finish. 

The Edison Elecric Light Companv, occupies a 15-acre lot on 
the old Harrison Loring property on P^ast First Street, near L Street. 
P'ormeriy the Boston P^lectric Light Company, the building consists of 
two main bays, divided by a fire wall. P'rom this station two varieties of 
currents are furnished, the high tension three-phase current, which is 
fed to one sub-station located near Park Square, and another to a network 
of circuits extending through the business portion of the city. 

Other large establishments and manufactories of the district are 
the American Sugar Refining Co., on Granite Street ; P'actory Build- 
ings Trust, a series of large buildings on A Street, occupied by wool 
merchants ; the Walworth Manufacturing Co., on P^ast P'irst Street, 
near O Street ; the Perkins Machine Co., on K Street, just beyond P^ast 
P'irst Street ; the Robert Bishop Co., manufacturers of cotton and 
woollen goods on West Sixth Street ; the William P. Stone & Co. Car- 
riage Works on West First Street, near B Street ; R. Esterbrook's Sons 
Iron Works, corner of West First and C Streets ; George H. Lincoln 
Iron P^oundry on Alger Street ; Howard Iron Company, Dorr Street ; 
the Long Machine Co., East First and L Streets ; P". E. Atteaux & 
Co., manufacturers of colors and chemicals, on West First Street ; 
Shales & May, furniture manufacturers, corner of Dorchester and 
Newman Streets, and F"arwell Bros., kindling wood manufacturers. 
Dorr Street. 



SOUTH BOSTON OF THE IT'TURH 



iNiKonrcrioN. 

I'y 
John J. 'I'dOMKv. 

Till'" prosperity, happiness and contentment of a community de- 
pends, in a lar<;-e measure, upon the loyalty of its people, the trust- 
worthiness of its public servants, its own natural advantages, health- 
ful location, the procuring of needed improvements and benefits, general 
comforts at home, in school and in church, a fervent Christian feeling, 
and, above all, a hrm belief in and the practice of the fatherhood of (iod 
and the brotherhood of man. The people of a district, themselves, 
make the reputation of that section, whether it be good or bad; 
therefore upon the residents depends the good name of their community. 
South Boston has had a glorious past, of which it may well he 
proud. No other section of the city of Boston can point to so much 
accomplished, such a general spreading of good feeling, and particu- 
larly love for their own home, as can the people of the peninsula dis- 
trict. Its location, almost entirel}' surrounded by water, with the greater 
part of the district highlands, free from swampy land, cool healthful 
breezes in summer and well protected in winter, and its numerous 
other natural advantages have ever stood by it in making South Boston 
an ideal residential section. It was this that led its founders to locate 
here and which afterward was responsible for the rapid growth in pop- 
ulation. At the present time, 1901, South Boston includes nearly one- 
eighth of the entire population of Boston, and it is steadily growing. 

To the loval, thoughtful, in:Untrious, ambitious residents of the 
disrict, ' the idea is ever foremost "What is the future of South 
Boston ? " 

South Boston's future, in a measure, is in the hands of the people 
themselves. It behooves each and every resident of the district to be 
true to himself and to his own home place. South Boston has nothing 
to be ashamed of. Its criminal record has always been small, in fact, 
there is not a district of the entire city that has had such tew court cases 
or arrests for crime or criminal offences. South I^oston is largely a 
religious community. More than three-fourths of the entire population 
are constant attendants of some church, and that the district has twenty 
houses of worship is sufficient evidence of this fact. The people are an 
educated people and the schools are largely attended. 

For the future it is necessary that the people pride themselves in 
doing good for their district. " He who lives for himself alone, knows 
not how to live," is the truest of sayings, and if the people of our com- 



466 HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

numity will onl)' endeavor at all times to make happy the lot of their 
less fortunate neighbor, then, truly indeed, will their own lives be the 
hapi^ier. 

From a religious, social, educational, political and business stand- 
point, in fact from every point of view, the future of South Boston is 
bright, and the prospects are for even a more prosperous and happy 
people and community. Let each one do his or her share in aiding the 
district to reach this Utopian state, and our community will enjoy then, 
what it so much deserves, peace and contentment. 



SuLTH Boston Nekds Greater Unity of Pl'I!lic Spirit. 

l!y 

Rev. RdiiKRT J. Johnson, 

(Rector of the ('ate of Heaven Church ) 

THOUGHTFUL men agree that the greatest social problem in 
America is how to gain better conditions for the mass of the people 

living in our large cities. Fvery census that is taken tells us that our 
population is setting cityward, with a tide that shows no sign of turning. 
According to the census taken in 1890, 18,000,000 persons were living 
in American cities and towns having 8,000 or more inhabitants. T^rom 
the census of 1900, it appeared that about 25,000,000 persons were living 
in such cities and towns. Taking Massachusetts separately, we find that 
the population living in cities in 1900 was 2,132,623, as against 1,564,- 
931 in 1890. In other words, three-quarters of all the people of the 
old Bay State are city dwellers, l^oston increased the number of her 
inhabitants from 448,000 in 1890 to 560,000 in 1900 — a gain of 25 
per cent in ten years; and of these 560,000 people, 68,000 — very 
nearly one-eighth of the whole number — are living in South Boston. 

In Boston the very densely populated areas are found in different 
parts of the city, — a preferable condition as I think ; but South Boston 
leads them all in the number of inhabitants in proportion to its area. 
This means that all the problems involved in improving the living con- 
ditions of the great body of city-dwelling people are more pressing in 
the South Boston district than in any other. 

We cannot expect or hope to maintain, a high standard of morals and 
manners among people who are living under depressing and demor- 
alizing physical surroundings. But we must not look wholly or 
mainly to the city government or to its building laws, or to the 
health authorities, to improve the character of our tenement houses. 
We must also call to our aid the work of the philanthropist, which be- 
gins where that of legislators and public ofificials ends. 

As in other cities, so in ours, better homes for the wc^'king peo- 
ple will be realized only when our Boston capitalists come forward, 



HISTORY OK SOUTH BOSTON. 467 

animated b}- public spirit enough to invest large sumsof money in building 
superior tenement blocks, with all up-to-date improvements, and then 
to let them at moderate rentals, that will yield not over five or six per 
cent profit. There ought to be no "slums" in any city — certainly not 
in Boston. 

Concurrently with well directed efforts to improve the general 
character of our tenement houses, constant attention should be given to 
the proper maintenance and policing of parks and breathing spaces; 
and from time to time, as opportunity offers, small parks should be 
added in the crowded parts of the district. We should also develop 
all the resources of our extensive water front, by creating more recrea- 
tion piers for the use of our people in summer. Our bathing grounds 
should be better policed and regulated, and more bathing facilities 
afforded in other sections. 

Having improved the management of our beach we should go on 
and provide more playgrounds for the children and furnish them with 
every appliance for healthful exercise. We must not forget that the 
numbers of our working people are steadily increasing, and we must 
take care that our provisions for their outdoor needs in the way of 
places of recreation and otherwise, are also increased. 

Tf I were asked to name the first and most essential thing to be 
secured in South Boston in order that the above mentioned improve- 
ments may be brought about, I should answer, a broader and more 
alert public spirit — the sinking of all party lines and the rallying of all 
our citizens in support of local aims and objects for the benefit of all. 
I do not mean to suggest that party feehng or religious differences are 
stronger in South Boston than in any other part of the city, or than in 
the average American community. I am glad to say that I think this 
is not so. On the contrary, there is a commendable degree of concord 
among our citizens of all classes, based upon mutual respect for one 
another's divergent religious and political opinions ; Catholics and Prot- 
estants, Republicans and Democrats dwell together in our district on 
very amicable terms, and yet, I believe, there is room for a more posi- 
tive unity of spirit, a more effective co-operation to obtain local advan- 
tages and improvements, in which we are all equally concerned, no 
matter what party ticket we prefer on election day, or what church we 
attend on Sunday. 

A very gratifying example of the kind of local unity that I have 
in mind, was seen quite recently when the clergymen of all denomina- 
tions and citizens of all parties and classes came together and presented 
a solid front of opposition to the proposal to license a promiscuous 
dance hall and show house at the entrance of our noble Marine 
Park. It was recognized that here was a proposition that meant harm 
to us all ; that menaced the good order of the entire community ; that 
boded evil to all our homes; that threatened to expose our women 



46S ^IST(^R^' OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

and growing children to daily and nightly scenes of vulgarity and de- 
pravity. We all felt that it was a danger against which we could not 
afford to make a disunited or half-hearted fight — and so we stood to- 
gether and said "No" with that earnestness, emphasis and effectiveness 
which always commands attention and carries the day. The lesson of 
that occasion ought not to be lost upon it. It teaches us that South 
l^oston's people have only to cultivate harmony of spirit and purpose, 
and formulate their reasonable wishes for any worthy local object into 
a demand, in order to have it complied with. It is difficult for 
state legislatures and city councils to deny the petition or disregard 
the protest of an entire district. Therefore it seems to me we cannot 
do anything better for South Boston than to promote by every proper 
means the sinking of all political and class lines whenever it is possible, 
and thereby to gain something for the common good of our tlistrict and 
all its inhabitants. 

Some of the things that we want for the general good of South 
Boston and her people we can get only from the city goxernment ; 
such, for instance, as the building of those streets long ago laid out by 
special commission, street widening, new and improved bridges, park 
and water front improvements, and the like. Other things that are 
needed to advance South Boston we must get by the initiative and en- 
terprise of our own citizens. But, howsoever, these changes come, it is 
first of all necessary to sink all differences and forget all divisions, and 
to make the 68,000 people of South Boston one body, one mind, and of 
one purpose, in support of whatever local measures of progress are 
plainly desirable for the whole district. 

There is a future of worthy and honorable progress for South Bos- 
ton, if only her people will forget all the unessential things that divide 
them, and combine their energies on the great objects which should unite 
them. If our community is not the wealthiest nor the most fashionable 
section of the Hub, it is, nevertheless, one of the strongest spokes that 
radiate from it. It is a community which has no reason to blush 
either for its past or for its present, and one that has every reason to 
anticipate a bright future. I know its people through personal contact 
with them for many )cars, and I know them to be, in the main, as hon- 
est, industrious, law-abiding and worthy people as can be found any- 
where in this Commonwealth. The official records will bear me out in 
sa}ing that South Boston is remarkably free from crime. Working 
people predominate in its population. Its homes are modest, but most 
of them are well-kept and well-furnished, and most of its children are 
being decently reared and educated in such fashion as to make good 
citizens. Withal, the people of South Boston are hospitable and warm- 
hearted, and there is a spirit of good neighborship among them that is 
most admirable. 

It is a happiness to live and labor in such a community and among 
such peojDle, to share in their hopes, and jiarticipate in their progress. 



iiisroRv OF SOUTH ijostox. 469 

Any and every movement that may tend to unite them in the common 
pursuit of common benefits should have our utmost sympathy and our 
heartiest co-operation. 

llnw Hf.st ro BKXKFrr the Coafmlnffv. 

P,y 
Rkv. Ai.r.KRi- IF SiUEi.iis, 

• Rector, Church of the Kedeenicr — Kpiscopal.) 

LATI^NT in all men are aesthetic, intellectual, social and religious 
needs and cravings. The problem as to how best to benefit our 

community could be easily solved could these latent possibilities be 
aroused to active expression. It is with this hope, that my words may 
be in some measure instrumental in arousing persons here and there to 
a keener sense of individual responsibility that I undertake the delicate 
task of making an appeal to all classes and conditions of men dwelling 
in our beautiful peninsula. I cannot, in the space allotted, be exhaust- 
ive, nor shall I undertake to be so, but .shall content myself with sug- 
gestions, which are the outcome of personal observation. 

The family, of course, is the most potent factor in the preservation of 
a wholesome and virtuous social order. The greatest enemy of the family, 
as it is of all good breeding, is irreligion. Of course there are families 
where genuine human love and loyalty reign, but where God is not 
honored and where religion is ignored. Speaking from personal know- 
ledge and observation I feel safe in affirming that the large majority of 
failures in the family is due to irreligion. 

Lack of respect on the part of children toward their parents is 
said to be a characteristic of American family life and it is to be feared 
that there is much truth in the assertion. Attention cannot be directed 
too strongly toward this weak point, if that wholesome respect for nat- 
ural and constituted authority, which is the foundation alike of good 
citizenship and of dignified and august national character, is to be pre- 
served. One who does not rightly honor his father and mother is not 
likely to be conspicuous for the honor he pays the civil authority. 

Let us lift high the banner of the family, emblazoned with .sym- 
bolism of the noblest and most worthy interests in life. Let it represent 
the faith that true life consists in the achievement of those things most 
worthy of our love and reverence. 

Closely associated with home life, because contributing to its rich- 
ness and beauty, should be artistic and aesthetic interests. Every 
home, however humble, should have at least one good picture. Alas, 
even many of our well dressed people prefer to attend a cheap theatre, 
who never once think of making a pilgrimage to our local shrine of art. 
When will the working people learn that art belongs to the laborer as 
truly as to the millionaire, and that in the refinement of manners and 
enrichment of life, it is secondary only to religion. Joy alone can 



470 HISTORY Ol' SOUTH lUJSToN. 

prompt US to praise — therefore joy is inseparable from art. They 
exercise upon each other a reciprocal influence. The better we are the 
happier we will be, and the happier we are the better work we will 
produce. This indicates the close relation which art bears to labor 
and life, as all three do to religion. 

The excellent features of our public school system are patent to 
all. The defects are a source of regret to many, and for the most part 
have arisen from natural conditions rendering remedial measures diffi- 
cult. What is chiefly needed in the school discipline is a higher type 
of motivities. Let all citizens insist that the discipline of our pubhc 
schools be secured at least by humane methods — methods which 
respect the personality of the child and which will protect him from 
the misguided zeal of the conscientious teacher or the heated vindictive- 
ness of the self-important martinet. Any laws which authorize the use 
of physical force with our children should be considered as obsolete as 
any of the ''blue laws," and if school authorities are unwilling to take 
that view, then it is high time they are repealed. 

( )ne of the most important questions confronting us in this com- 
munity is how to i^revent intemperance. It is coming to be seen by 
every one that to pronounce all use of alcoholic liquors as in itself sin- 
ful is to impugn the purity of nature, the wisdom and justice of provi- 
dence, the authority of the Scriptures and the example of Christ. Our 
problem is not to extinguish, but to regulate and guide into safe direc- 
tions, an instinct, which if banned is too often driven to the license of 
revolt. We cannot hope to achieve the goal of true temperance at a 
bound, that will only come through the slow formation through suc- 
cessive generations of a better race stock educated unto temperance. 
If we are to make head against intemperance which threatens to engulf 
the better life of our community we must have a wide platform which 
will include all who are for temperance whatever they may think of 
total abstinence. 

The excellence of the work of the churches as a means of social 
improvement is now acknowledged by most people, even of those who 
claim no denominational affiliation. In our district, as elsewhere, there 
is need of a greater degree of Christian charity and tolerance, (iood, 
virtuous men without the fold have little desire to enter any of its 
departments so long as they fail to recognize and acknowledge the 
excellences of each other, and drown the sweet harmonies of spiritual 
religion in the harsh braying of the trumpets of contraversial orchestras. 

One-sided knowledge of history is responsible for much religious 
intolerance in ours, as in other communities. Will men never learn 
that no particular form of religion was ever, as such, responsible for 
persecution, that it was the spirit of the age, and that to dwell morbidly 
upon it is to blind ones' self to the fact that the world, or at least one 
portion of it, has, in the evolution of political sentiment, transcended 



HISTORY OF SOUTH liOSTON. 47 I 

the point of view where persecution tor rehgious opinions is [)os- 
sible? But we have now entered upon the age of toleration, in which 
society is coming more and more to exercise its right to demand that 
every one should resj^ect the opinion of others as he wishes his own to 
be respected. 

To be tolerant it is not necessary that one must have vague and 
uncertain opinions. On the contrary such a one cannot lay claim to 
tolerance. He exercises no self-restraint, he is not guiding himself in 
accordance with a clearly defined moral ourpose. 

There is one way by which, perhaps, more truly than in an\' other 
we can benefit our community in this respect, and that is by entering 
with more enthusiastic abandon into practical religion and charitable 
work, wherever that can be done in common. (Jur churches are doubt- 
less awake to what misery and sin there is about us here, small, com- 
paratively, though it may be. There is no more inspiring sight than 
that of men of widely divergent views uniting in deeds of practical 
benevolence and in devisimr measures for the common good. 



LocAi, Pride and Homic P-vrKONACE, Factors Toward Success. 

i;y 
Matiiikw Hai.k. 

(Boston Olube Editor.) 

MORP2 than 2500 years ago Socrates told a young man, who had com- 
]:)lained to him of the small consideration in which he was held by 
his acquaintances, that he, as well as every other man, held that posi- 
tion in societ)' which he desired and deserved. " Respect yourself," 
concluded the sage, "and others will respect you." 

This sententious phrase told a truth which is eternal, and is as ap- 
plicable to communities today as it was to individuals then. 

That South Boston, deservedly high as is her reputation today, 
does not hold such high honors as is her due, is as true as that she can 
make them higher ]:)rovided her citizens work practically and continually 
to that end. 

To those who have lived long in South Boston, have reared their 
children within her lines and have placidly seen themselves grow old 
there, there is little which can be added to their content. But to the 
younger and more ambitious element there is much which may be 
done. That every man elected to political office in the community 
should be held to a strict accountability for his deeds while acting as her 
agent or her representative, is too well established to need argument. 
That he who betrays her trust should be visited with condign punish- 
ment, is as obvious as that he who serves her successfully and honor- 
ably should be richly rewarded. 



472 IIISTORN OF SOUTH IJOSTOX. 

South l^nston is, fortunately, inhabited by i)eoi)le who well know 
the benefits securable throui;-h ener<;-y and thrift, and is free from that 
e\trava.^•ance of either extreme which is marked in those communities 
which suffer from excessive wealth or excessive poverty. Here is the 
home of the serenely well-to-do. Self-respectini;-, honest, fearless, moral, 
industrious, God-fearing, no community has a happier population or 
one more deserving of that happiness which springs from duty well 
done. The district is near enough to the busy city to secure every 
benefit which can be secured from close proximity, and far enough 
away that she need never be crowded out of existence by the inexorable 
demand of commerce. 

Her streets and public buildings should be the finest in the city, 
for they give the best promise of permanency, and her residences should 
be the most sought after, for no other localit}' offers so many advan- 
tages to the home maker and the home lover. Surrounded on all sides 
but one by the sea, .she is at once a park and a home, advantages j)o.s- 
sessed by other localities only through the expenditure of much public 
money and the manipulation of many public measures. 

Another great factor in securing benefits for South l^o.ston is the 
adoption of the policy which most economists associate with the present 
industrial supremacy of the nation, the policy of protection. 

"Spend your money in your own community." 

Of course the nation has the power to enact laws and enforce 
obedience to them, and South Boston has not. Kut the same result 
may be reached by each person resolving to buy everything purchasable, 
in South Boston, from .South Boston merchants. Thus commerce, rn a 
part of a city, can be made to work the same benefit that it has so 
often worked in larger communities and in whole nations. 

No doubt there are many who will cavil at this saying, but if the 
cavillers will reflect that in the present imperfect state of human 
nature, there is no greater compellor of human respect than the pos- 
session of wealth, perhaps they might cease to cavil, livery dollar 
spent with a dealer in South Boston is a dollar spent in the interest of 
the material upbuilding of the community of South Boston. 

If all the money spent by the people of South Boston in one year 
should be spent among her own people, would it not result in wealthier 
merchants, more clerks, finer stocks, richer residences, bigger stores, 
better streets, more taxable value, larger .shares in the expenditures of 
state and municipal funds, and many more days work for those who 
labor with their hands ? 

When every South Iiostonian realizes that bu)'ing a cigar some- 
where else than in his own locality is equivalent to throwing a stone at 
his own house, the citizen of South Boston will develop as intense a 
local pride as the proudest resident of the peninsula. The one objec- 
tion, that this intense local pride might possibly degenerate into a mere 



irrsr()R\' of sol^th hoston. 473 

dull and Ui;ly clannishness, may be discarded as of no value. For when 
that time has come, it will be much easier to shake off the trammels of 
the vice of clannishness than it will be now to persuade people to adopt 
its virtues that they may enjoy its benefits. 

As for South l^oston itself how can one tread its streets, be famil- 
iar with its history, live its life, and remain insensible to its charms.^ 
Who can fail to carry his head a bit higher when he reflects on the 
benefits that this little patch of soil has conferred on mankind.' Had 
those hillocks, which we pass so often without a thrill of reverence or a 
salute, never existed, then the American people, the American consti- 
tution, the continental witness to the value of republican institutions, 
would never have been. 

Others may boasbof Lexington, Bunker Hill, the Delaware cam- 
paign, the surrender of Saratoga, the sufferings of Valley Forge, the 
partisan warfare of the south, the surrender at Yorktown, the marvel- 
lous work done in the Carpenter's Hall at Philadelphia, but we, of South 
Boston, who love her for what she is, can tell them that they existed 
because Washington planted his cannon on our heights and drove the 
British forever from our harbor. 

Is this a little thing, or a great one ? If it be great do we not 
honor those who have gone before in honoring the place where they 
worked and labored .' 



Social Standing of tuf District. 

'■•y 
1)k. Thomas J. ( liiti.iN. 

((.)rgani/i;r of tlie C ity Point Catholic Association and llie Mt. Wasliington Co-operative P.ank>. 

AVIEW of the social side of South Boston has ever presented the 
pleasant picture of a kindly, hospitable and loyal people. The 
citizens of the district have ever been ready to extend mutual 
help and protection and eager to gather for entertainment and instruction. 
It has been seen in our history that from time to time, there have 
existed in our peninsula, many social organizations. At the present 
time, also, many of our citizens are banded together in active success- 
ful societies whose object is a social purpose, either church work, chari- 
table aid, literary and educational, or for local improvement. In our 
homes there is welcome and hospitality for our friends. This character- 
istic is noted by visitors who have entered our doors. On the memora- 
ble Farragut Day of 1893, our disposition and ability to entertain 
generously and with good taste, thousands of friends of this city and 
strangers from afar, was demonstrated. Many hold in happy memory 
their visit on that occasion and we may contemplate with pleasure and 
pride the retrospect of the social side of South Boston. 



474 HISTORY OF SOUTH I'.OSTOX. 

It would be delightful to relate reminiscences of cnu" young men's 
associations, lyceums, church fairs, coffee parties, citizens' associations, 
etc., but my object is to offer in a few words a prospective and ethical 
view of the social side of South Boston. During the past tew decades 
we have become a growing and changing community. T^very race, 
every creed and every nationality has found an abiding place and a 
home amongst us. That each newcomer be moulded into the great 
American citizen is a necessity to himself and to the whole community. 

In the social way how is this to be done.^ While the high water 
mark of possible endeavor may not have been reached in the past, still 
it is a safe height if we but profit by the experience and follow the ways 
of our predecessois. 

There is no need of novel, unique or unusual schemes to perfect 
the social side of South Boston. Perpetuate the kindliness, hospitality, 
loyalty of our fathers and mothers ; take advantage of opportunities of 
education provided by our schools and also of the special training offered 
by the Havves fund ; let us encourage our business men by patronage ; 
study thrift, temperance and frugalit}^, that, perhaps, aided by our local 
savings bank or co-operative bank, we may own our own homes and take 
natural pride in them. Be a law-abiding. God-fearing people ; see that 
the reputation shall always be deserved as it is now, that public senti- 
ment shall never tolerate in South Boston the presence or semblance of 
the social evil. 

Be every one, above petty personalities in society, business or 
politics and let our communit}' live in Brotherhood, — Christian, Gentile 
and Jew. 



P( ) L ITI C A L In F L U F \ C E. 

( A^•()^•^•Ml)l^s). 

TH]"^ welfare of a community may be said, in a general sense, to 
depend upon the zeal, interest, watchfulness, energy and virtue 
of its citizens. In matters concerning the nation as a whole, it 
is rarely good judgment to act from a local or parochial view ; in state 
affairs it is sometimes permissible and in local affairs it is a duty. The 
interests of a locality mean good schools with the best of modern 
accommodations, parks and other places of recreation for the people, 
streets well paved or laid, and ke])t in good order, the best and most 
careful police and fire protection, generous means for caring for those 
beaten in life's race, the finest sanitary conditions and all the other 
concomitants concerning the daily life of a comfortable, happy, prosper- 
ous and energetic people. To secure all these is only needed that 
watchfulness which is another sphere in the guardian of liberty, the 
very close scrutiny of candidacies for election and a generous reward 
for those who do well, with swift and certain punishment for those who 
do ill. 



HISTORY OF SOITII r.OSTON. 475 

In a section like South Boston, where politics is such an enj^ross- 
ing pursuit, it should be the boast of every citizen that his section 
secures its fair share of the proceeds of taxation. If a section receives 
less than its share of the general fund it must be because it is so rich 
that it does not need it alf, or because its representatives are sluggish 
and unworth)'. 

But it all rests with the citizens themselves. In the election pri- 
maries, as well as on election days, the citizens have the opportunity to 
make known their wishes and with whom to entrust them. Ciood results 
should appear where the loyalty of a whole section has been shown to a 
particularparty for a long series of years, and by improved streets, 
parks and public buildings loyalty receive such substantial reward. 
Otherwise loyalty becomes slavishness, and the capacity of slavishness 
to a political party, is perhaps the poorest tribute which can be i:)aid to 
that party. 

What would perhaps be the best for a section would be a judicious 
independence, a position which would say, in effect, if our help is worth 
having it is worth cultivating. Union among the peo])le for pohtical 
effort is as necessary as union among other individuals, to succeed in 
anything. Organization is the child of union, the brother and com- 
panion as well, and enables union to make itself effective. 

For a basis of organization an understanding of what is wanted is 
necessar)-. With all these requirements energy is only needed t 
secure those rights and privileges which belong to a numerous and 
watchful people. Vov the securing of things wanted politics have been 
created, if the term may be so used. Politics is only the organization 
of citizens into groups in order that they may present to the body as a 
whole, or the representatives thereof, of their demands. That a com- 
munity, or a representative body pays more attention to a hundred men 
making a demand in union, than it would to the same men coming 
singly with the same request, is self-evident, yet that is politics in its 
most honest and fairest sense. So if men desire things the proper way 
is to ask for them. If their requests are denied, demands should fol- 
low, and demands in such a form that few will dare neglect them. 

Such a community can secure all its rights, can afford to be gen- 
erous, can secure recognition for itself, can reward those who serve it, 
and thus send out into the city, state and nation, faithful, energetic 
officials, who can command respect and reflect credit back upon those 
citizens who have made them — and that is good citizenship. 



o 



476 IIISTOKV <'F >oLTH BOSTOX. 

DEDICATION OF THE DORCHESTER HEIGHTS 
^lOXUMEXT. 

(March 17. 1902.) 

ALTHOUGH in an unfinished condition and not ready for public 
inspection interiorly, the handsome marble monument on Dor- 
chester Heights, erected by the Commonwealth of ]\Iassachu- 
setts in commemoration of the valiant deed of Gen. Washington and 
his army, March 4, 1776, was dedicated March 17, 1902. This was a 
gala day for South Boston. It being the manifest desire of the people 
of the district that the dedication take place on that historic day, and 
His Excellency, Gov. \V. Murray Crane, and His Honor, Mayor P. A. 
Collins, indicating their willingness, the committee on monument that 
had agitated for and secured the favorable action of the state, Dr. 
William H. Ruddick, Col. J. Payson Bradley and John J. Toomey, 
approved of the day and then for weeks prei^arations were under way. 
Lieut-Gov. John L. Bates with Councillors Jeremiah J. McXamara, 
Arthur Maxwell and David I Robinson comprised the committee of 
the state in the expenditure of the S 5,000 appropriation and in arrang- 
ing for the event. Mayor Collins approved an appropriation of $1,700 
on the part of the city, and a committee of the government attended to 
the city's part in the celebration of the day. 

The committee on the part of the Commonwealth appointed Col. 
William H. Devine of the 2nd Brigade as chief marshal, and in two 
weeks time Col. Devine, assisted by Capt. William J. Casey, of the 9th 
Regiment, as adjutant, arranged a parade that was second only to that 
on I-'arragut Day of 1893. 

March 17, 1902, was cloudy, with a light fall of rain, which ceased 
early in the forenoon, although the remainder of the day was showery 
and somewhat disagreeable. Preparations had been made, the people 
were anxious, and Col. Devine was determined that they should not be 
disappointed. 

There was no session of the schools of the district and the stores 
and business places were closed at noon. Many of the houses and 
stores along the route of the parade were beautifully decorated and 
there was a great deal of enthusiasm throughout the district. 

At one o'clock sharp Chief Manshal Devine directed the head of 
the line, at the corner of West Broadway and Dorchester Avenue, to 
move, and the mounted police, the U. S. Marine Band with the battalion 
of the U. S. Marines started on the march. Chief Marshal Devine had 
a staff of 25 prominent military men, representing the leading organiz- 
ations of the state. In the parade were six companies of the Ninth 
Regiment, Lieut. Col. Lawrence J. Logan commanding ; a battalion of 
the Naval Brigade, Lieut. Commander James H. Dillaway, Jr., com- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH B'J^TuX. 



477 





















47^ IrI.ST()R^' of soi-i'h I'.osiux. 

manding- ; First Corps of Cadets escorting Gov. Crane ; a detail from 
Light Battery A ; Washington Post 32, G. A. R.; Dahlgren Post 2, 
G. A. R. ; Gettysburg Command, U. V. U. and Maj. M. J. O'Connor 
Camp, 4, L. S. W. \^, committees and State guests in carriages. In 
these carriages were Gov. Crane, Senator Lodge, Re\ . Dr. WilHam ¥. 
Warren, Adjt.-Gen. Dalton, Admiral Schley, Mayor Collins, Congress- 
men Naphen and Conry, Lieut. Gov. Bates, Secretary of State Olin. 
Treasurer Bradford, Governor's Secretary Smith, Executive Clerk 
Hamlin, members of the Governor's staff, members of the Governor's 
Council, Dr. Ruddick, Col. Bradley, John J. Toomey, legistative com- 
mittee and officials, officials and committee of the city government and 
the Citizens' Association committee. There was also Dr. John Sullivan 
and P2dward Sullivan, great grandsons of Maj. Gen. Sullivan of Revolu- 
tionary fame, in whose honor the countersign " St. Patrick " was used 
on the memorable March 4, 1776. 

The route of the })arade was West Broadway, Plast Broadway, O 
Street, East Fourth Street, L Street, East Sixth Street, K Street, P^ast 
Eighth Street, I Street, P^ast P^ourth Street, G Street, around Thomas 
Park. Arrived at the monument the dedicatory exercises were held, the 
time being 2.30. (^lov. Crane made a few remarks and then pulled a 
cord that unveiled the tablet on the western side of the monument. 

The exercises were continued in the hall of the High School, close 
by, and consisted of an opening selection by an orchestra under the 
direction of Mr. P^mil Mollenhauer ; prayer by Rev. William F. War- 
ren, D. D., LL. P).; response " Almighty Father" by a quartette com- 
prising Mrs. Alice Bates Rice, Miss Adah Campbell Hussey, Mr. 
Clarence Shirley and Mr. Arthur Beresford ; orchestral selection ; 
soprano solo "Star Spangled Banner," Mrs. Alice Bates Rice ; oration 
by Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge, junior I', S. Senator from Massachusetts ; 
selection " The Victor's Return " by the orchestra, concluding with the 
hymn "America" sung by the entire gathering and followed b}- 
national airs by the orchestra. 

In the evening the I^vacuation Da)- banquet of the South Boston 
Citizens' Association was held in Gray's Hall, and upward of 40G people 
participated. Rear Admiral Winfield Scott Schley was the special 
guest of the association, and among the other guests were Speaker 
James J. Myers of the House of Representatives, President Rufus 
Soule of the Senate, Mayor P. A. Collins, Congressman Henry P". 
Naphen, Col. Curtis Guild, Jr., and Representative PZdward B. Callen- 
dar, the orator of the occasion. Pres. John H. Means presided and 
Hon. William S. McNary was toastmaster. 

Throughout the district the citizens joined heartily in the celebra- 
tion and there were many open houses, and the clubs and organizations 
had special programmes. During the afternoon there were athletic 
games, and in the evening there were band concerts and fireworks by 
the city, and Broadway was illuminated from one end U) the other as 
Admiral Schley passed on his way to Gray's Hall. 



HISTORN" oi'- SOiril liOSTON. 



I':rr()rs and additions. 



479 



In the publishing of a book of the magnitude of this Mistor)" of 
South Boston, errors, great or small, are certain to creep in. Notwith- 
standing that the greatest possible care has been taken l)y the authors 
to avoid such mistakes, and especially to have names and dates abso- 
lutely correct, a few have occurred, but they are all typographical 
errors, overlooked in the correcting of proofs. With the completion of 
the work every line on every page was carefully gone over, and the few 
errors that did occur were noted. For the benetnt of the reader we 
append herewith a list of the errors, showing also the necessar)' correc- 
tions. 

As the weeks and months and years pass by, many changes occur 
in the condition of things. So it is with this book. The " South 
Boston of the Present" refers to the district in 1901. During that year 
the of^cial publication of this history took place, although it was not 
until the following year that the general sale occurred. In that year 
there were a few changes. Men occupying prominent positions were 
promoted and made new places for others, some tiled and others 
removed from the cit}-. These additions also are appended. 

Readers would do well to make these changes and additions in ink 
as far as possible. 

On page 35 is an illustration of "The Fourth Church erectcil in 
Dorchester." The types made it the "Fourth Church, erected in Dor- 
chester." It was the fourth church erected but not named the Fourth 
Church , 

On page 91, in the ninth line from the bottom, there should be a 
change from the word "heavy bronze" to "gold." The medal i^re- 
sented to Gen. Washington by Congress was of gold. 

On page 216, the name of "Henry S. Driscoll, Co. F" must be 
added to the list of privates of the Ninth Massachusetts \^olunteer In- 
fantry, who died in the Spanish-American War. 

On page 223, should be omitted the words "John Souther, well 
known machinist and inventor of the dredging machine." This is in 
the 27th and 28th lines from the top of page. 

Page 330, Bkielow School — The new building, corner of I{ and 
West Fourth Streets, was occupied by the several classes in May of 
1902 and on the re-opening of the school Sept. 10, 1902 the rooms 
were thus occupied, although the dedication did not occur until the fol- 
lowing year. 

Page 337, JoHX A. Andrew School — In the sketch of Master 
Joshua M. Dill, instead of "In January, i<S63," it should read "In 
January, 1873 he secured a position in the Ouincy School, Boston." 

Page 342, LiN'C(^LX School — Master Maurice P. White was 
elected a supervisor of the Boston Schools, Sept. 9th, 1902, thus vaca- 
ting his position as master. Sub-Master Perry was advanced to the 



480 HISTOKV OF SOUTH liOSTON. 

position of master. Sub-Master Charles N. Bentley of the Lincohi 
School, earlier in the year, was assigned to a similar i)osition in the 
Thomas X. Hart School to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sub- 
Master Philbrick. The sub-masters of the Lincoln School, bei^inning 
Sept. 10, 1902, were Jonathan I. l^uck and Charles S. Davis. 

Page 349, TiiOMA.s N. Hart School — Sub-Master John D. Phil- 
brick died in the spring of 1902 and Charles N. l^entley of the Lincoln 
_ School was a})pointed to fill the vacanc}'. 

Page 357, Phillips Church and Chapkl — Rev. Percy H. PIpler, 
assistant pastor, severed his connection with the church the latter part 
of December 1902, to accei)t a similar position in the iMrst Church of 
Detroit. 

Page 413, Cakxev Hospital — The new out-patient department 
building, corner of Dorchester and Old Harbor Streets, completed in 
1902 and dedicated on Thanksgiving Day with simple exercises. 

Page 421, Sui'i-oLK CouNiv House of Cokkectiox — The 
buildings and property on Pliist F'irst Street were abandoned in Octo- 
ber, 1902 all the prisoners having been transferred to the new buildings 
on Deer Island. This marked an important event, inasmuch as the 
people of South Boston have been endeavoring since 1S47 to be rid 
of this institution. 

Page 42S, Mattapax Deposit axdTkusi Compaxv — President 
Richard J. Monks retired Oct. i, 1902, and was succeeded by K/A-d H. 
Baker. 

Page 442, Fire Di:partmext — During 1902 many changes were 
made, notable among them being the installation of Aerial Truck and 
Ladder iS, in the new house on Pittsburgh Street, in the rear of the 
house of I^igine 38-39. This was put into commission Nov. 7, the 
company consisting of two officers and ten privates. Lieut. John \V. 
Murphy of Combination 2 was promoted to the rank of captain Oct. 
25, 1902 and placed in charge of the new truck and ladder. The tiller- 
man of the new truck is Thomas Wyllie. Lieut. Alfred J. Caulfield 
was tran.sferred from Engine 3<S-39 to Combination Wagon Xo. 2, East 
Fourth Street, Oct. 25, 1902. 1 he chief's driver, Charles Ligersoll, 
Jr., was permanently appointed Nov. 7, and transferred to luigine 43 
and Fred P. Brophy of l^righton was appcMUted chief's driver Nov. 14. 
Ladder Company 5 of West P^ourth Street had its truck rebuilt and 
equipped with rubber tires, making a fine appearing piece of ai)paratus. 



REPRESENTATIVE MEN 
OF THE TIME 



.if 



Lives of great men all remind us 
We can make our lives sublime^ 

And^ departing^ leave behind us 
Footprints on the sands of T'ime. 

LO'NGFELLOW. 




WILLIAM CAINS 
(SoiTii Boston's Grand Old Man) 

]>()RN IN S|)1:TU BosTON, Jl NE 25, 1S14, AND HAS AI.W AYS LINED IN THE DISTRICT. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



483 



GEORGE H. ALEXANDER, druggist, at 
KX) Dorchester Street, is a son of the hite 
Andrew Alexander, M. D., and Lavania A. 
I. (Pratt) Alexander. He was born in this dis- 
trict a n d resided 
here I h e greater 
part of his life. He 
received his early 
education in the 
public schools of 
South Boston, and 
entered the whole- 
sale drug business 
in which he was 
engaged for seven 
vcars. during a part 
lit which time he 
also attended the 
Mass. College of 
Pharmacj. In 1S79 
lie opened his own 
establishment n 
the site of h i s 
present store, and has conducted business at 
that place ever since, with the exception of a 
short time when the building, in which he was 
originally located, was razed to make way for 
the present brick structure. Mr. Alexander is 
a member of Rabboni Lodge, St. Matthew's 
Royal Arch Chapter and St. Omer Commandery, 
F. ,i A. AL He is also a member of the Mass. 
College of Pharmacy. Mr. Alexander resides at 
157 Washington St., Dorchester. 




FRANK STANFORD ATWOOD. journalist, 
is a soil of Richard A. and Mary L. Atvvood 
and was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1870. 
He came to South Boston in 187S and received 
his education here, 
having attended the 
Bigelovv and Lin- 
coln Grammar 
Schools, gradua- 
ting from the latter 
in 1 886. After tin- 
ishing his studies 
he entered the em- 
ploy of the Boston 
Herald Company 
as an office boy and 
his labors have won 
promotions for 
him, his present 
position being that 
of assistant secre- 
tary to the man- 
aging editor. 

About 1S92 he moved to Dorchester and at 
present resides at No. 9 Humphrey Square. He 
was elected to the Common Council from his 
ward in 1S99 and was re-elected in 1900 and 1901. 
On June 5, of the latter year, he married Miss 
Ella B. Wells of Dorches'ter. Mr. Atwood is a 
member of the Massachusetts Republican Club, 
the Business Men's Club of Dorchester, Boston 
Herald Benefit Association and tiie Twenty-Five 
Associates of the Boston Herald. 




HON. lOHX E. BALDWIN was born in South Boston in 1869 and has always resided here. 
He attended the Bigelow Grammar School, and, finishing his studies there, he entered English 
High School and later took a course in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College. He 
tirst entered upon business life as a clerk for F. E. Atteaux c^ Company, later becoming 
confidential clerk and bookkeeper for that concern. From 
an early age Mr. Baldwin had been interested in politics, but 
it was not until 1S93 that he became a candidate for office. 
In that year he was elected a member of the Common Coun- 
cil by the Democrats of Ward 14 for the year 1894. The two 
succeeding years he was again chosen to represent his ^\artl 
in the same body. Again in 1S97 and 1898 he was the choice 
of the Democrats of his ward and during those years he 
represented them in the Massachusetts House of Represen- 
tatives. During these years as a public representative his 
efforts won for him the support of the people of South 
Boston and he was next elected to represent the South 
Boston district in the Massachusetts Senate, serving during 
1899. and was elected for a second term to that body, serving 
in 1900. In his position as senator he introduced many bills 
of great importance to South Boston and fought for the 
passage of those introduced by the representatives in the 
lower house, and through his eftorts many important 
improvements to South Boston were secured. He was 
active in securing the removal of the House of Correction 
from South Boston and for the construction of Cove Street 
bridge. He was also instrumental in securing from the state 
an appropriation of $10,000 for the Carney Hospital. He 
was elected a member of the Democratic State Committee 
for 190:; and 1903. In the former year he received the Demo- 
cratic nomination for alderman in the Eighth Aldermanic 
District, but was defeated at the polls. Mr. Baldwin is a member of Pere Marquette Council 
of the Knights of Columbus, Division 57, Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Tammany Asso- 
ciates and other organizations. He resides ,it 51 Emerson Street. 




484 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



GEORGE F. BARRY, engineer and janitor 
of the high school, since Sept. ii, 1901, 
was born in Boston, December, 1865, of 
Patrick and Mary (Donovan) Barry. Removing 

to South Boston in 
1S72 he attended 
the Hawes and 
Bigelovv Schools. 
For ten vears he 
worked at printing, 
and in 1S90 studied 
engineering in the 
Foster's Wharf 
Block, serving five 
years under John 
J. McCloskey and 
then, successively, 
for the McCloskey 
Varnish Co., Char- 
lestown Gas and 
Electric Light Co., 
Boston Storage 
Warehouse Co. 
During this time he also studied, taking the 
Wells Memorial Institute course and that of the 
American School of Correspondence, the Lowell 
Institute lectures and the South Boston Art 
School. He married Christina L. McCloskey, 
■who died in 1S99, and has lour children, Chris- 
tina L., George F., Mary Margaret and Mabel 
He is a member of No. i Lodge N. A. S. E., No. 
2 Lodge A. O. U. W., and the Boylston School 
Association, and lives at 295 D St. 




JOSEPH W. BATEMAN, plumber and stove 
J dealer, was born in Bury, England, Octo- 
ber 28, 1862. of John and Sarah (Bromwich) 
Bateman. He was educated in the schools of his 
native town, and in 
1886 removed to 
South Boston, 
where he has lived 
ever since. In 
England he fol- 
lowed the trade of 
machinist, but. on 
arriving in this 
country, he was 
apprenticed to 
Charles M. Brom- 
w i c h . learned 
plumbing, and in 
1 90 1 he started in 
for himself, in the 
firm of Bateman A; 
McAuliffe. He has 
since been located 
at 693 East Fourth 

Street. January 8, 1S91, he married Miss Eliza 
C. Dakin of Digby, N. S., and has four children. 
Ruby W.. Bernice D.. Joseph P. and Edgar W. 
Bateman. He resides at 672 East Eighth Street. 
Mr. Bateman is a member of Mt. Washington 
Commandery U. O. G. C, (of which he is 
a past commander) of Hope Commandery, U. 
O. G. S.. (of which he is a past commander) 
and the South Boston Citizens' Association. 




DANIEL J. BARRY, deputy superintendent of public buildings of the city of Boston, was born in 
Boston, August 27, 1S59, of John and Mary Barry. Educated in the primary and grammar 
schools of this district, he went to work shortly after leaving school, in 1873, and since his 
boyhood has been a resident of South Boston. A prominent worker in the Democratic ranks 

and ever interesting himself in affairs of that party in the 
city and especially in his own district, he was easily elected 
to the House of Representatives in the fall of 1S94 in an 
eight-cornered contest and served during 1895 and 1S96 with 
particularcredit to himself and his district. He was a member, 
during those years, of the committees on parishes and reli- 
gious societies, pay roll and election laws, and ever took an 
active part in legislation for the good of his district and his 
constituency. Having received the customary two years in 
this lower branch of the Massachusetts Legislature, he was 
not again a candidate imtil the fall of 1900, when, through 
the urgent solicitation of his friends, he entered a spirited 
contest in Ward 14 for the Democratic nomination to the 
Legislature and won, receiving a splendid majority, and, for 
the first time in the history of the ward, was accorded the 
distinguished honor of an election to the House of Represen- 
tati\es for a third term. During the year 1901 he served on 
the committee on public health. In the mayoralty campaign 
of 1S99, when Hon. Patrick A. Collins was the candidate for 
Mayor of Boston, Mr. Barry was one of the most earnest 
workers of Ward 14 in the interestsof the Democratic nominee. 
Again, in the fall of 1901, Mr. Barry took a prominent part in 
the municipal campaign in which Hon. Patrick A. Collins 
was victorious, and aided largely in securing for him the 
large vote in that ward. For faithful services it was but natural 
that he should receive recognition and on the new adminis- 
tration assuming control Mr. Barry was appointed deputy superintendent of public buildings under 
Supt. Hugh Montague, Mr. Barry is member of the Knights of Columbus and lives at 663 East 
Fourth Street. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON, 



485 



DR. BARNARD L. BERNARD, physician, a 
son of Elijah and Sophia Bernard, was 
born in Russia in May, i860, and was 
educated there. He graduated from the gram- 
mar school in 
1S73, Gymnasium 
(Latin School) in 
1879 and the Med- 
ical College in 
1883. He served the 
Russian govern- 
ment as a provin- 
cial physician until 
1887, and came to 
Boston in 1888. 
He practiced in 
Boston until 1896, 
during which time 
he took a post- 
graduate course at 
Harvard Medical 
School, and then 
came to South 
Boston. He is a member of the Massachusetts 
Medical and Boston Gynecological Societies, 
Winthrop Council, R. A., South Boston Con- 
clave, I. O. H., is visiting physician to the Home 
for Destitute Jewish Children and Mt. Sinai 
Hospital, and a member of the medical board 
of the latter. He married Miss Annie Segall, 
a graduate of St. Petersburg Medical Academy, 
in 1886, and they have five children. His resi- 
dence and office are at 195 Dorchester St. 




JAMES BERTRAM, carpenter, was born in 
Scotland in 1857. His parents were Joseph 
and Isabella Bertram. He attended private 
schools in his native country, and when but 
twelve years of age 
cametoSouth 
Boston where he 
has since resided. 
Early in his youth, 
he learned the trade 
of carpenter, and 
since 1S89 has been 
in business for him- 
self, having been 
employed on many 
of the principal 
buildings, resi- 
dences and dwell- 
ings in South Bos- 
ton and vicinity. 
His place of busi- 
ness is 330 West 
Broadway. Mr. Ber- 
tram is married, lives at 675 East Seventh 
Street, and has one child, Herbert James Ber- 
tram. Ever fond of yachting, iSIr. Bertram was 
one of the early members of the Mosquito Fleet 
Yacht Club and for many years its commodore, 
and has also been official measurer for the Yacht 
Racing Association of Massachusetts. He has 
owned several fine pleasure yachts. He is now 
a member of the South Boston Yacht Club and 
of the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club. 




F'RANCIS E. BLAKE, a former resident, and treasurer of the George W. Wheelwright Paper 
Company, was born in Princeton, Mass., of Pynson and Sarah (Dana) Blake. He is a de- 
scendant"^ of the eighth generation from William Blake, an early settler of Dorchester, who, in 
1637, shared in the division of lands at Dorchester Neck and whose grandson. Deacon James Blake, 
erected the Blake House at what is now City Point. This 
latter was the second house built on the peninsula. The 
Blake family in succeeding generations, and until within a 
few years, have always lived in South Boston. As may be 
seen on page 54 of this history the early Blake family owned 
nearly one-eighth of the Dorchester Neck lands. Francis E. 
Blake moved to South Boston when quite young, attending 
the public schools of the district with his twin brother. Rev. 
Frederick D. Blake, graduating in 1852 from the old Hawes 
School, after which he entered the Boston Latin School. In 
1856 he was obliged to cease his studies owing to ill health, 
and he entered the employ of George Wheelwright, paper 
manufacturer and dealer. By perseverance and strict attention 
to business he was rapidly advanced until he attained his pres- 
ent responsible position of treasurer. During his residence 
in this district he was an attendant and deeply interested in the 
old South Baptist Church holding many responsible positions 
there. An ardent admirer of South Boston he ever had an 
interest in its history, has made exhaustive researches in re- 
lation to the grants of lands on the Neck, contributed articles 
to several papers, and wrote an account of the British Raid of 
1776 in a pamphlet entitled "Dorchester Neck." He has also 
published a history of the South Baptist Church. 

There is probably no man better informed or better 
posted on old South Boston history than is Mr. Blake. 
He is a devoted student of matters pertaining to old 

Boston and its history and he has a splendid library. He married Miss Elizabeth C. Richardson, 
daughter of John D. Richardson, a prominent resident of the district. He now resides in 
Boston. 




486 



HISTORY OF SOITH BOSTON. 



JAMES E. BOVVE, real estate dealer and auctioneer, was born in Hillsborough, Countv Kilkenny, 
Ireland, March i. 1844, of John and Mary Bowe. At one rear of age he came to America, landing 
in New York, and three ^ears later he was a resident of Salem, Mass., where he attended the 
primary school. In 1S56 he removed to South Boston where he has since resided. He graduated 

from the Tuckerman School in 1S5S and immediately went 
into the grocery business with his brother, Patrick, at the 
corner of East Second and I Streets, conducting a large busi- 
ness, and thatpartnership continued thirty-five years, the same 
store being occupied during all thattimeand the concern was 
dissolved only by the death of his brother, Patrick. In 1892 
the business was sold to other parties. Successful in the 
grocery business Mr. Bowe early in life took an interest in 
real estate matters and for nearly half a century he has been 
closely identified with the advancement of the peninsula dis- 
trict and in a large measure is responsible for the rapid strides 
made in real estate matters east of Dorchester Street. He is 
an extensive property owner and large tax payer. 

It was the successful efforts of Mr. Bowej about 1S7S or 
1879, that made it possible to secure the valuable land at the 
corner of East Fourth and I Streets, where the new Gate of 
Heaven Church, St. Agnes Convent and St. Michael's Hall 
have recently been erected. Rev. Michael F. lliggins, fore- 
seeing the growth of the Catholic population at Citv Point 
and its consequent needs, desired to get the land, but the 
owners were not inclined to part with it for Catholic church 
purposes and it was only through the efforts of Mr. Bowe that 
this was accomplished, it being purchased at a price far below 
the assessed valuation. 

He is well informed on the growth of South Boston during 
the past 50 years and remembers distinctly many important 
events that occurred during that period. Mr. Bowe is married, lives at 619 East Fourth Street, and 
his real estate office is at 614 East Broadway. He is a member of the South Boston Citizens' Asso- 
ciation and other local organizations. 




TTEXRY JAMES BOWEN, son of Hosea Ballon and Mary Dana Bowen, was born in Charles- 
■*■ A town Mass., September 11, 1853. Seven or more of his maternal ancestors came over in the 
Mayflower in 1620. On his father's side his ancestors were from Wales and landed at Rehoboth, 
Mass.. in 1640, afterward settling the town of Swansea. His grandfather was Henry Bowen, the 
publisher of the first Universalist Magazine, and his grand 
uncle was Abel Bowen, well known as an engraver and the 
publisher of '"Bowen's Pictures of Boston." The subject of 
this sketch has resided in South Boston since 1854. He 
first attended the Old Hawes School, and, when the Lincoln 
School was built, was transferred to it, graduating therefrom 
with a Franklin medal, at the age of twelve. He then 
entered the English High School and at the age of fifteen 
stood at the head of the graduating class. Immediately 
after leaving this school he accepted a position in a wholesale 
lumber house on State Street, where he remained five vears 
and then had five years' experience in the retail lumber busi- 
ness in Brookline. He then took charge of the accounts of a 
wholesale flour and grain commission house on State Street, 
until the decease of his father in 1S82, upon which he suc- 
ceeded to the real estate and insurance business in South 
Boston, which the elder Mr. Bowen had established in 1871. 
This business has greatly increased since the advent of the 
present Mr. Bowen, who is considered an authority upon all 
matters pertaining to South Boston real estate. He is a large 
owner of real estate in the section and has charge of many 
properties for clients. He is trustee for a number of large 
estates, one of the trustees of the South Boston Savings 
Bank, a member of the Real Estate Exchange ana Auction 
Board (of which he was for three years a director), a member 
of the Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Bostonian 

Society, and was for three years a director of the Mattapan Deposit and Trust Company. Mr. 
Bowen was married in 1880 to Miss Sarah E. Dean (who died in 1897) and has one son, 'Robert 
Montgomery Bowen, now a senior at Harvard. 





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HISTORY OF^ SOUTH BOSTON. 



487 



COL. J. PAYSON BRADLEY, merchant 
and manufacturer, is a native of Methuen, 
^L1ss., born June 7, 1S4S, of Capt. Leverett 
and Catherine (Frve) Bradley. His paternal an- 
cestors were among the early settlers of Haver- 
hill, Mass., and in the Indian wars took an 
active part in the defence of the town. His great- 
grandfather, Enoch Bradley, was a soldier in 
the revolution, and, by his mother's line of 
ancestry, he is related to Col. Frye, who com- 
manded a regiment at Bunker Hill. His grand- 
father was captain of dragoons in the old militia 
davs and his father was a captain in the old 
Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts Militia, and 
later in the War of the Rebellion. 

Col. Bradley was educated in the public 
schools of his native town and the city of Law- 
rence. At the breaking 
out of the War of the Re- 
bellion, he, with a brother 
only two years older, 
joined the army, enlisting 
in 1S61, at the age of thir- 
teen, as a drummer boy, 
in the Fourteenth ^Lassa- 
chusetts Infantrv, which 
was afterward changed to 
the First ISIassachusetts 
Heavy Artillery, of which 
he became bugler. He 
was present with his regi- 
ment in the terrilile Battle 
of the Wilderness, where 
it suffered so severely in 
killed and wounded, and 
also in all the many bat- 
tles that that regiment 
participated in, ending 
with the Siege cf Peters- 
burg, from which place 
he was sent home disa- 
bled. 

After the war he re- 
moved to Boston and ^ 

joined the Volunteer Mi- 
litia, of which he became 

sergeant-major and adjutant. He joined <lie 
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Compan\ in 
1S77, and was its adjutant in 18S8 and 1SS9. 
When that famous military organization visited 
England in 1S96, Col. Bradley carried the na- 
tional colors, being the first man to carry the 
American flag, under arms, in the streets of 
London and into Windsor Castle, before the 
Queen. In 1897 he was elected commander of 
the Coinpany and served with ability and 
distinction during the customary term of one 
year. In 1S97, also, he was appointed assistant 
adjutant general and served three years with 
the rank of colonel on the staff of Gov. Roger 
Wolcott. 

He has held high positions in the Grand 
Army of the Republic and is an enthusiastic 
member of this organization. 

At the close of the War of the Rebellion 
he prepared himself for a draughtsman and 




engineer. In 1868 he entered the employ of 
the Downer Kerosene Oil Company of South 
Boston and in 18S7 became a member ot the 
firm of Allen. Bradley tV Company, which 
succeeded the Downer Company. In 1S94 the 
firm, with that of Seccomb-Kehew ct Sons, was 
incorporated as "The Kehew-Bradley Company" 
with ottices at 24 Purchase St., and he is yet con- 
nected with that important business. 

During the administration of Ma\orIIart, and 
until the spring of 1902, Col. Bradley served as 
chairman of the Boston Schoolhouse Commis- 
sion, being the first chairman of that new board. 
This new commission, consisting of tliree 
members, had the difficult task of undertaking 
new and very responsible duties provided by the 
legislative enactment establishing the Board. 
All the public school 
buildings of the city were 
in direct charge of this 
Commission, and new 
buildings erected and all 
repairs to school buildings 
made by this Board. At 
the conclusion of his term 
Chairman Bradley re- 
ceived personal expres- 
sions of appreciation for 
efficient services per- 
formed from the Mayor 
and other city officials. 

Col. Bradley inarried 
Miss Emma Frances 
Jaines, daughter of Fran- 
cis James, of an old and 
well-known South Boston 
family. Of this marriage 
were born four children, 
Francis E., Fannie J., 
Marion and Mildred. Col. 
Bradley is a trustee of the 
South Boston Savings 
Bank, a charter member 
of Dahlgren Post 2, 
G. A. R., organized in 
1880, president of the 
Dahlgren Memorial Hall Association, a member 
ot t'ne Boston Congregational Club, Bostonian 
Societv, American FHstorical Society, Military 
Historical Society of Massachusetts, Ancient 
and Honorable Artillery' Company, New Algon- 
quin Club, Old Dorchester Club and Columbia 
Lodge, F. and A. M, 

Col. Bradley, as a member of the Dorchester 
Heights Monument Committee, with Dr. Rud- 
dick and Mr. Toomey, did splendid service in 
urging the Legislature to make a sufficient ap- 
propriation for this magnificent memorial, per- 
sonally attending all hearings at the State House 
and devoting much titne, as a member of this 
committee, to the carrying out of the desires of 
South Boston in this matter. 

A member of the Phillips Congregational 
Church, he is an officer of that Society and has 
been actively engaged in its Sunday Schoo 
work. He lives at 499 East Broadway. 



488 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



THOMAS B. BRADLEY, cigar manufac- 
turer, was born in Navan, County Meath, 
Ireland, May 14, 1S72, his parents being Ber- 
nard E. and Martha (Phillips) Bradley. He was 
educated in the 
parochial school 
and St. Fenian 
Seminary, and, on 
his arrival in this 
country, he at tended 
the Bigelow Gram- 
mar Scliool. He has 
been a resident of 
South Boston since 
August 8, 1SS5. He 
was apprenticed to 
Morris Schendel, 
and at present is 
employed as a cigar 
maker for Frank K. 
Oberle. Affiliated 
with many young 
men's organizations 
and popular with the people of his ward, he was 
elected to the Common Council for 1903 and 
served on many important committees. He is a 
member of St. Augustine's Lyceum, Division 7, 
A. O. H., Celtic Association, St. Augustine's 
Court, M. C. O. F., Cigar-Makers' Union and 
Joseph Warren Conclave, I. O. H. He married 
Miss Edith H. Denson and has two children, 
Catherine Cecilia and Edith Frances. He re- 
sides at 22 Gates Street. 




T~\ENNIS F. BRENNAN, born in Kanturn, 
^-^ Ire., in 1844, of Michael and Mary 
(Callahan) Brennan, settled on Fort 
Hill in 1846, attended the Boylston School, 
and enlisted in Co. 
A. 43rd Regt., in 
1862. During his 
9 months' service 
he was one of 200 
to volunteer for 
hazardous d u t y . 
The remainder of 
the war, in the 
navy, he served on 
the '"I no" and 
other vessels. He 
was in the provis- 
ion business in 
South Boston, 
worked for Carter, 
Rice & Co., elected 
to the Legislature 
in 1882, as an In- 
dependent by 15 votes, and for 7 years was 
asst. assessor and 4 years chief of draws and 
bridges. Since 1901 he has been in the bridge 
department and asst. assessor for Ward 23. In 
1869 he married Katherine E. Collins, has one 
son, Michael V. F., and resides at 267 D Street. 
He was sen. dept. commander U. V. U., 1898 and 
1899, now a member of the A. O. H., Irish 
American Club, Post 2, Veterans' Protective 
League and Mt. Washington Lodge, A. O. U. W. 




TTUGH W. BRESNAHx\N, sanitary engineer and plumber, and alderman from the Fourth 
A ■»■ District, comprising Wards 7, 9 and 13, for the year 1903, was born in South Boston, 
November 25th, 1869, and has always lived in the "district and ever identified with its in- 
terests. He attended the Mather Primary School and the Lawrence Grammar School and then 

learned the plumber's trade, making a specialty of 
sanitary engineering. He has, for many years, been 
active in the Democratic politics of Ward 13, serving in 
the Common Council in the years 1896 and 1897 w-ith 
such credit to himself and his constituents that he was 
sent to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for 
1898 and 1899. As a member of the Legislature in 1899 
he particularly distinguished himself by his untiring 
efforts in behalf of the Cove Street Bridge, and was the 
leader of the South Boston representatives in that famous 
contest against the gigantic corporation that sought to 
prevent South Boston getting what was considered only 
her just due. He also took a prominent part in several 
other measures that came before the House that year and 
was ever thoughtful of the interests of his district. Urged 
by his many friends and well wishers, in the fall of 1900 
he was a candidate for Alderman, contesting at the polls 
as an Independent Democratic candidate. Although then 
failing of success he was nominated in the fall of 1902 and 
was elected by a splendid vote in the three wards, leading 
all other candidates by several hundred votes. He has 
ever been a resident of Ward 13 and is still engaged in 
business in that ward. He is a member of the Ancient 
Order of Hibernians, Improved Order of Heptasophs, 
Wolfe Tone Asso., Mosquito Pleet Yacht Club, Columbia 
Yacht Club, Lawrence School Alumni Asso., Winthrop 
Council, R. A., and the A. O. U. W. As an alderman he performed excellent service, serving as 
chairman of the standing committee on lamps and joint committees on auditing, lamps, and 
weights and measures departments, city messenger and institutions. He lives at 102 D Street. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



489 



El C9EXE T. BRAZZELL. printer, son of 
William and Margaret (Hayes) Brazzell, 
was born at 60 West Fifth Street, South 
Boston. March 17, 1S7S. He attended fhe 
local primary and 
the Lawrence 
Grammar Schools 
after which he was 
apprenticed to the 
printer's trade, 
which he has fol- 
lowed ever since. 
Alwaj-s a resident of 
South Boston he 
has ever been iden- 
tified with its in- 
terests and has been 
prominent in 
several organiza- 
tions. He was 
elected to the Com- 
mon Council, 
representing Ward 
13, for 1903 receiving a handsome vote at the 
caucus and at the polls, and was appointed on 
many important committees. He is a member 
of the Rosary Young Men's Catholic Associa- 
tion, Division 60, Ancient Order of Hibernians, 
Trimount Conclave of the Improved Order of 
Heptasophs, vice president of the Young Men's 
Democratic Club and treasurer of the Waverlv 
Associates, a leading organization of the dis- 
trict. He resides at 60 West Fifth Street 




TOHX H. Bl'CKLEY, deceased May 5, 1903, 
J born Dec. 25, 182S, from his infancy lived 
on old Fort Hill, where he was educated in 
the Boylston School, and in 1S54 removed to So. 
Boston where he 
lived the remainder 
of his life, one of 
the best known ci- 
tizens of the dis- 
trict. Possessed of a 
most retentive 
memory he ever de- 
lighted' to tell of 
old Boston, Fort 
Hill or So. Boston. 
In 1 861 he was ap- 
pointed on the 
police force, was on 
tlie state police from 
1S69 to 1873, night 
inspector in the 
Custom House, and 
in 1882 in the city 

employ. In 1900 he was icnioN cd h\ Mayor Hart 
and reappointed in 1902 by Mavor Collins. 
Besides a wife he left tw-o sons and five daugh- 
ters, Jolm 11. Buckley, Jr., and Frank A. Buckley, 
Mrs. Annie Crowley, Mrs. Josephine A. Robbins, 
Mrs. William Bowman, ^liss Ella Buckley and 
Sister Henrietta. He was a member of Mt. Ver- 
non Council K. C, Boylston School Assoc, 
Suffolk Assembly R. S. G. F.. Bostonian Society 
and Old Schoolboys' Asso. He lived at 146 K St. 




OLIVER E. BURDICK, jeweler at 329 West 
Broadway-, is a son of Stephen and Mary 
A. Burdick and was born in New Bedford, 
Mass., in 1847. He received his education in 

the schools of his 
native place and, 
then went to sea, 
shipping on the 
^'Levi Starbuek.'' 
Six days out she 
was captured by 
the famous priva- 
teer ^'Alabama''' 
and the crew held 
as prisoners for a 
month. On his re- 
tiu'n home Mr. 
Burdick enlisted 
in the L'nionNavy, 
January 27, 1863, 
and did blockade 
duty on the U. S. S. 
"//Hcon," off Fort 
Sumter and at Dubois Sound, and washonorablv 
discharged May, 1864. He then learned his trade 
and came to South Boston in 1S69 where he started 
in business in 1870, now being the oldest in his 
line in South Boston. He married Miss Margaret 
J. Semple in 1S71 and tliey reside at 361 West 
Fourth Street with their family, Mary T., Stephen 
R., Adeline E., and Oliver J. Mr. Burdick is a 
member of Post 2, G. A. R., Bethesda Lodge I. 
O. O. F., and South Boston Conclave I. O. H. 




SAMUEL M. BURROUGHS, undertaker at 
1 10 Dorchester Street, was horn in Lj'nch- 
burg, \'a.. in i860 and is a son of Henry A., 
and Elizabeth C. Burroughs. He received his 
education at Lynch- 
burg, and, conclud- 
ing iiis studies, en- 
tered the undertak- 
ing business with 
relatives, and for 
several 3'ears was 
engaged in it both 
in Madison, New 
Jersey a n d New 
\'ork City, gradua- 
ting as an embalmer 
at the latter place. 
He came to Boston 
in 1S90 to accept a 
position with 
Lewis Jones ^Sc Son 
and, after remain- 
ing with that con- 
cern for about a y^ ar, he accepted a position 
with J. B. Cole & Son. He remained with 
the latter firm until 1900 when he leased his 
present place of business and has conducted his 
own establishment since that time. Mr. 
Burroughs married Emily A. Scofield of Stam- 
ford. Conn., in 1897, and resides at 112 
Dorchester St. He is a member of Bethesda 
Lodge 30, I. O. O. F., Mt. Washington F^ncamp- 
ment 6 and the So. Boston Citizens Association. 




490 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Portrait 

on 
Page 482. 



V\7^ILLIAM CAINS, retired, South Boston's grand old man, one of the most estimable citizens 
»» of the district, was born on B Street, June 25, 1814, of Thomas and Marj Cains. His 
father, the pioneer glass manufacturer in the United States, came to this country from Bristol, 
England, in April, 181 1, and started an establishment at the westerly corner of B and West Second 
Streets in the brick building originally built for the Boston Window 
Glass Company. In 1S19 the business was moved across the street 
where a larger building was erected. There it was that William 
learned the business which he later managed in conjunction with a 
brother-in-law, Mr. Johnston, the elder Cains retiring temporarily. In 
1857, on the death of Mr. Johnston, Mr. Cains, Sr., again took up the 
business, which he continued until his death in 1S66. For four years 
thereafter William Cains conducted the business, but finally retired to 
private life. He has always resided in South Boston, and even now, 
after a residence here of eighty-eight years, he is just as much en- 
deared to the district as he ever was. It is with much pleasure that 
Mr. Cains reviews the history and growth of South Boston, the loyalty 
of its citizens during every period, the prosperous times of the active 
industrial period from i860 to 1885, of the beautiful natural appearance 
of City Point in its early days, and particularly of the prosperous 
period of his father's business when more than one hundred and fifty 
men were employed. Through the courtesy of Mr. Cains, many in- 
teresting reminiscences and events of old South Boston's history are 
narrated in this book. In the old Cains residence, corner of B and 
West Second Streets, an illustration of which is given on page 123, were entertained many royal 
personages, including prominent Russian military officials. Rev. Father Mathew, the apostle of 
temperance, was at one time a guest at the Cains mansion, and there was a strong friendship 
between the two. Thomas Cains, father of the subject of this sketch, was a most zealous and 
loyal citizen of this district. He was an expert in the art of mixing the materials to make 
flint glass and thoroughly understood all the other branches of the business. Frequently, in the 
midst of the most flourishing times at Mr. Cains' glass works, fire destroyed the plant, but 
heroically Mr. Cains reconstructed the buildings and thus was secured the name of the concern. 
Phoenix Glass Works. William Cains resides at"vS7 East Fourth Street. 



FRANCIS A. CAMPBELL, lawyer, wa^ born in Soutli Bo.ston. September 19. 1S65. His tather 
was Frank Campbell, for years a well known resident and business man of the peninsula 
district, who died several years ago and who was held in high esteem by all who knew him. 
His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was Mrs. Rose Ann ( Shevlin) Campbell, and still 

lives in the old homestead in this district. Frank, as he was 
familiarly known, attended the old Francis Parkman School, 
Silver Street, and, after graduating from the Lawrence 
Scliool. attended the Boston Latin School. He then attended 
Mt. St. Mary's College. Emmetsburg, Md.. graduating in 
1S86. He entered Harvard Law School and subsequently 
was admitted to the Suffolk Bar, having received the degrees 
of B. A. and A. M. During his course in the Law School he 
figured prominently in athletics, was a member of the 
Harvard ^'arsity base ball team and, in 1887 and 1888, was 
catcher, doing excellent Avork behind the bat. His base ball 
career is well remembered by his fellow students and the 
people of South Boston, and he is yet the possessor of 
handsome prizes for being the best all round player and 
for seciu-ing the best batting averages. 

Mr. Campbell, on being admitted to the Suftolk Bar. 
immediately commenced the practice of his profession, 
and he now enjoys a large clientage, Avith offices at 701 and 
702 Tremont Building. In the fall of 1897 he was nominated 
bv the Democrats for the School Board, and was elected for 
the subsequent three years, served on many of the im- 
portant committees and was prominent in debate. He is a 
member of the Catholic Union, the New England Catholic 
Historical Society, life member of the Harvard Law School 
Association, of tlie Harvard Graduate Athletic Association, 
the Hasty Pudding Club, D. K. E., the Boston Athletic 
Association and other organizations in Boston ami vicinity. He is ranked among Boston's leading 
lawyers. Mr. Campbell married Miss Mary O'Donnell who belongs to one of the prominent and 
leading Catholic families of Boston. Mr. and Mrs. Campell now live in Boston. 




HISTORY OF SOITII BOSTON. 



491 



HENRY CANNING, druggist since 1S57, 
born in Boston June 3,1842, of Samuel and 
Mary Canning, was educated in the public 
schools. Largely as a vocalist Mr. Canning 
is known in South 
Boston, where, 
since 1S74, he has 
been a member of 
the St. Augustine's 
church choir. In 
1 86 1 he was bass 
soloist in the chapel 
on No. Grove St., 
West End. In 1862 
St. Stephen's 
Church was estab- 
lished, and for 13 
years Mr. Canning 
sang there. He has 
frec)uently been 
heard in concert, 
opera and oratorio, 
and never refused 
a request for his services when possible to 
comply. In his 40 years choir work he has 
participated in more than 4000 church services. 
Mr. Canning was 8 years president and 20 
years trustee of the Mass. College of Pharmacy, 
past president of the Mass. State Pharmaceu- 
tical x\sso., Boston Druggists' Asso. and the 
National Retail Druggists' Asso. and a member 
of the School Board, 1885 to 1S88. His business 
is at 109 Green St. and he resides at 840 5th St. 




CHARLES H. CAREVV, restaurateur and 
confectioner, the former at 482 Broadway 
and the latter at 473 Broadway, was born 
in South Boston, Oct. 12, i860, of John and 
Elizabeth Carew-, 
well known resi- 
dents of the district. 
He attended the 
Lincoln Grammar 
and Boston Latin 
Schools and at the 
age of 16 went to 
New York where 
he learned the prin- 
ter's trade. At the 
age of twenty he 
retin-ned to Boston, 
worked as compos 
i t o r on the 
"Boston Courier", 
later a proof-reader 
on the "Boston 
S t a r"', and for 

six years was employed in the composing rooin 
of the " Boston Herald." In 1894 he opened a 
small restaurant at 4S2 Broadway which, receiv- 
ing his constant attention, became the present 
large establishment. In April, 1900, he pur- 
chased the ice cream and confectionery business 
of Edwin Barber which he has since conducted 
successfuUv. In June, 1897. he married Miss 
Ellen Terry, has two children, Charles and 
Helen, and lives at 77 Dorchester Street. 





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/^APT. WILLIAM J. CASEY, foreman 
^^ — Municipal Printing Department, was born 
in South Boston, August 15. 1S70, and at- 
tended the Lawrence and Evening High Schools. 

He then learned 
the printing trade 
with Rand. Averv 
tV; Co., and has con- 
tinued it ever since. 
He enlisted in Co. 
1. 9th Regt.. Feb. 
2 V 1889. as private, 
advancing through 
the various grades 
to his present posi- 
tion of Regimental 
Adjutant, with rank 
of Captain. He was 
mustered into the 
r. S. Vol. at 
S o u t h Framing- 
ham. May 10. 1898, 
served through the 
Spanish War as i,-,i Lieut, of Co. I. mustered 
ovit Nov. 26, 1S98, and. on reorganization, was 
chosen to his present position. Prominent in 
athletics from 1889 to 1894, he competed for the 
Trimount Athletic Club, 9th Regt. Athletic 
Association and the B. A. A., in leading games 
throughout the countrv. He is a member of 
Maj. M. J. O'Connor Camp L. S. W. \ .. Old 
Guard of Mass.. So. Boston Council, K. C, 
and Div. i;8, A. O. H. He resides at 316 E St. 




WILLIAM J. CASS11)\'. undertaker at 457 
West Broadwa\'. and 120 Harrison A\e.. 
Boston, is a son of William T.. and Ellen 
E. (Harvey) Cassidv. and was horn in Toronto, 
Canada. He receiv- 
ed his education 
there, graduating 
from the grammar 
school in 1884. and 
Reynard ColL'ge. 
in 1887. The suc- 
ceeding year he se- 
ciu"ed a position 
with a prominent 
T o r o n t o under- 
taker. In 1895 Mr. 
Cassidv went to 
New "S'ork. w iiere 
he took a coiu^se in 
the Sullivan School 
of E m b a 1 m i n g . 
He then came to 
Boston and opened 
h i s establishment 
on Harrison Ave. The following \ ear he became^ 
a resident of South Boston and in 1901 he opened 
a place of business at 457 West Broadwav. He 
resides at 381 Broadway. Mr. Cassidv is past 
grand knight of Franklin Council K. of C, and 
a member of St. Jerome Ct.. M.C.O.F., Div. 12, 
A. O. H.. Court'Volunteer of the Hub, F. of A 
Boston College Asso.. Boston Council, R. A. 
Citv Point Catholic Asso. and Catholic Union" 




492 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



CHARLES J. COLLINS, refiactionist and 
optician, was born in Columbia, S. C, and 
is the son of John and Mary A. (Murphv) 
Collins. At an early age he came to South 

Boston with his 
parents and has 
been a resident of 
the district since 
that time. He gra- 
duated from tiie 
Lawrence School, 
after which he 
entered the English 
High School and, 
on concluding his 
studies there, he 
engaged in the gra- 
nite business with 
his father. He was 
appointed an ex- 
aminer at the Bos- 
ton Custom House 
latei-, where he 
remained until 1S92. He has held various 
positions under the city government since then. 
He began the study of opthalmologj-in 1901 and 
later entered the Klein School of Optics, receiv- 
ing his degree in 1903. He is financial secretary 
of "Redberry Council, No. 117, Knights of Col- 
umbus, of which he is a charter member, and is 
also a member of the Mosquito Fleet Yitcht 
Club. He married Miss Nellie A. Roth, and 
thevreside with their daughter Marie at 134 K St. 




JOSEPH W. COLLINS, manager for G. H. 
J Hammond Co., selling dressed cattle, sheep 
and hogs, was born in Providence, R. I., 
August 19, 1849, of Michael and Susan 
Collins. He attend- 
ed the Line Street 
(parochial) and 
later the Summer 
Street ( public ) 
Schools. In 1861, 
at the age of 12, 
he removed to 
South Boston , 
w here he has 
since resided and 
has been identified 
with its interests. 
On his arrival in 
Boston he entered 
the employ of Peter 
McAleer, provision 
dealer on West 4th 
Street, and later 

worked in one of the Faneuil Hall stalls, after 
which he was in business for himself in South 
Boston, and then worked for Swift & Co., 
Chicago packers, and in 1S93 assumed man- 
agement of the Boston interests of the Hammond 
Co.. in the Clinton Market. Mr. Collins is 
married, has rive children, Joseph, Mary, John, 
William and Henry, and lives at 627 East 3rd St. 
He is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Con- 
ference, Roval Arcanum and the Workmen. 




JOHN CONNOR, grocer and provision dealer, Broadway, near I Street, was born in Boston of 
Patrick and Anastasia Connor. Early in childhood he came to South Boston and has resided 
in this district ever since. He first attended the Mather School on West Broadway, and was 

then a pupil at the Lawrence Grammar School on B Street, but left the latter place before grad- 
uating and entered Comer's Commercial College where he 
took a commercial course. He then went to work for his 
father, a leading grocer and provision dealer of South Boston. 
On the retirement of his father from business, Mr. Connor 
went to work as a manager for Daniel A. Noonan, in the same 
business, at the corner of I Street and East Broadway. Here 
he remained for about twelve years, and January i, 1886, he 
started in business for himself and has been thus engaged 
ever since, one of the leading business men of this district, 
and one of the most respected men in the entire community. 
His place of business is at 61S East Broadway where he also 
resides. 

During his residence in South Boston Mr. Connor has 
ever affiliated himself with matters pertaining to the welfare 
of the district, and for many years he has been a member 
of the South Boston Citizen's Association, and was one of 
the early members of the City Point Catholic Association. 
He is also a member of South Boston Driving Club, and 
one of the original members of the South Boston Historical 
Society, serving on the important committee on the celebra- 
tion of Farragut Daj, June 28, 1S96. Mr. Connor is also a 
member of the Lawrence School Alumni Association. 
January i, 1878, he married Miss Elizabeth T. McManus, 
daughter of the late James McManus, one of the pioneer 
settlers of South Boston. They have one daughter. Miss 

Anna Elizabeth Connor. January 2, 1903, Mr. and Mrs. Connor celebrated the 25th anniversary 

of their marriage, and were the recipients of sincere congratulations and hearty well wishes from 

their host of friends and business men of the district. '!! 




HISTORY OK SOITII BOSTON. 



493 



THOMAS J. COLLINS, clothinij cutter, was 
born in'VVcstport, Ire.. Oct. ::8. 1869. His 
parents were John and Bridget (Halligan) 
Collins. He attended school in his native town, 
the Christian Bro- 
thers being his 
teachers, and. on 
his arrival in this 
country, he attend- 
ed the Evening 
High School sever- 
al years. Since 1S82 
he has resided in 
South Boston and 
has been identified 
with its interests 
and prominent in 
politics and various 
organizations. He 
was apprenticed to 
Leopold Morse & 
Co. as a clothing- 
cutter. and has since 
been employed by that house ^at 135 Washing- 
ton Street. He w-as elected to the Legislature 
for 1902 as an Independent, having previously 
been in the Common Council (1898 and 1899). 
has been president of Div. 7. A. O. H., was 
state president of the Clan-na-Gaels and twice a 
delegate to the A. O. H. conventions. He is 
also a member of Winthrop Council. Royal 
Arcanvim and Wolfe Tone Branch of the Clan- 
na-Gaels. He lives at 166 West Third Street. 




WILLIAM F. CONLEY is a son of John and 
Marv Con ley and was born in South 
Boston, where he resiiled the greater part 
of his life. He received his early edvication in 
the public schools 
of the district and 
graduated from the 
Law rence G r a ni - 
m a r S c h o o 1 . 
Finishing his 
studies there he 
entered Holy Cross 
College, Worcester, 
Mass., w here he 
continued his edu- 
cation. During his 
s c h o o 1 d ay s he 
fi g u r e d consider- 
ably in athletics and 
in those years there 
probably was no 
one better known 
in amateur rowing. 

in New England, than Mr. Conley. Hi- career 
as an oarsman began about 1S87 and he \\on 
many events until he bccanie champion amateur 
oarsman of New England. 1 le possesses a large 
collection of valuable trophies, won in the many 
events in which he participated. Mr. Conley 
married Miss Mary A. Foley and they reside 
on Columbia Road. Dorchester. Mr. Conley 
is a member of the Shawmut Rowing Club 
and the Mosquito F^leet Yacht Club. 




MICHAEL J. CORLISS, importer and dealer in bottled wines and liquors and also groceries, 
was born in Galway. Oct. 15, 1S59, of John and Mary Corliss. He came to this country at 
an early age. becoming a resident of South Boston when but five \ears old. He attended the 
Lawrence Grammar School and then went to work as a clerk in a grocery store where he remained 
five years and in 1880 started in business lor himself on West 
Broadway, near E Street. In later years he moved and is 
now located at 354 and 360 West Broadway, catering entirely 
to a family trade in fancy groceries and fine wines and liquors, 
possessing one of the largest establishments of its kind in the 
district. It is located near E Street. Mr. Corliss was one 
of the first in South Boston to branch out in this line of 
business, catering especially and almost entirely to a family 
trade. 

Throughout his entire residence in South Boston he has 
won for himself a high place among the business men of the 
city. A warm admirer of South Boston he has ever been 
interested in the district and is an active member of the 
South Boston Yacht Club, the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, 
Robert Fulton Council of the Knights of Columbus. South 
Boston Conclave of the Improved Order of Heptasophs and 
was an original member of the South Boston Historical 
Society. In all of these organizations he is deeply interested, 
and he took active part in the doings of the Historical 
Society, when it was flourishing and did so much for South 
Boston's good. ' "_™"_ 

Mr. Corliss has always taken a very active part in all 
athletic sports and events in the district. As a business 
man of South Boston for nearly a quarter of a century Mr. 
Corliss stands among the foremost for reputable and 
conscientious dealings. As a resident of the district nearly all his life he knows full well its needs 
and advantages. He lives at 35S West Broadway. 




494 



HISTORY OF vSOUTH BOSTON 



ROBERT COX, one of the health commis- 
sioners of Boston, and manufaetiu-er 
of horse food, came from Irehmd to the 
United States in i860, at the age of fourteen. 
His father was a well-to-do farmer and promi- 
nent trader the larger part of which consisted 
in the shipping of horses, cattle and butter to 
England. Being the eldest son. Robert Cox 
received a good practical education, attending 
school from the age of seven up to the time he 
left Ireland. He secured a good business 
training by accompanying his father to fairs 
and market. He was ever of a robust, healthy 
natvu-e and today has wonderful vitality. Shortly 
after arriving in this country he enlisted in Com- 
pany G of the 32nd Mass. Regt. from South 
Boston, being but sixteen years of age. 

On account of his youthful appearance he 
was twice rejected but 
he was finally accepted 
on giving his age as 
twenty-one. Like all of 
M a s s a c h u s e 1 1 s' loyal 
patriots he upheld the 
Northern cause, and also 
joined the army for the 
piu"pose of learning the 
science of war, hoping, if 
he retiumed to Ireland 
and o p p o r t u n i t y pre- 
sented itself, to lead his 
countrymen against the 
landlords of Ireland, such 
as had robbed him of his 
lands. Robert Cox has a 
splentlid war record. His 
]• e g i m e n t j o i n e d 
McClellan on the Penin- 
sula and was at the 
surrender of Lee at the 
Appomatox Coin^t house. 
He was woimded in the 
battles of Gettysburg, the 
Wilderness.Spottsylvania 
Courthouse, and in front 
of Petersburg. At Spott- 
sylvania Courthouse he 
received a severe wound 
in the right chest and 

right arm which limb he came near losing. 
After this battle, while wounded, he was taken 
prisoner with 1400 of his corps, and. after nine 
days, was' recaptured. He was in the hospital 
wlien Confederate General Early made a raid 
on Washington and. although his wo>.mds were 
not healed and his arm in a sling, he voliui- 
teered to go to the defence of Washington. He 
Avent, but was obliged to return to the hospital, 
and again, before he recovered, he asked to be 
sent to his regiment, and he rendered good ser- 
vice at the Battle of Weldon Railroad. He was 
ever read^' to vohuiteer for any extra hazardous 
duty in picketing and skirmishing, and in these 
he achieved honors for bravery. He was twice 
recommended for promotion for bravery on the 
battlefield, before he was eighteen, but his 




youth alone prevented the attainment of such 
deserved honors. In 1889 he was presented with 
a beautiful meinorial of his brilliant army 
record signed by ten field and company officers 
of his regiment. 

Mr. Cox has been particularly active in 
politics since 1870, and served several years in 
the Democratic Ward and City Committee 
and was a member of the Common Council 
in 1876 and 1S77. In the year 1879 he received 
the nomination for senator in .South Boston, 
winning the three wards against his opponent. 
After receiving the nomination, however, his 
name was omitted from the ballot at midnight 
before election day and his friends hustled to 
get out ballots bearing his name. By many 
excellent authorities of that time he is said 
to have been elected, but was counted out, 
an easv thing to do in 
those days. He has been 
a leader a m o n g the 
Democrats of the city and 
identified with many im- 
portant campaigns. He 
has sacrificed much in 
behalf of his friends in 
politics, spending large 
a m o u n t s of m o n e y . 
As an organizer and 
political manager. South 
Boston has never had his 
superior, and but few, if 
an.v equals. P'rom the 
^erv beginning of a 
]i()litical contest or cam- 
jiaign and until its close 
he was ever alert and 
planning for the interest 
of his side. He conducted 
P. A. Collins' campaign 
A\ hen he was chosen 
president of the Demo- 
cratic City Committee 
and engineered the 
Collins' senatorial cam- 
paigns three years, in- 
cluding . the memorable 
contest against Supt. 
Johnson of the South 
Boston Railroad. Mr. Cox also conducted the 
Collin's congressional campaigns, and in the 
famous contest against Hon. Joseph H. O'Neil. 
N!r. Cox was chief marshal of an immense 
parade. 

During his service as health commissioner he 
has been a strong advocate of many sanitar\- 
improvements in South Boston and has abl\' 
served with Dr. Durgin and Mr. A. E. Pillsbury 
on that very responsible board which guards the 
health of the people of Boston. 

Mr. Cox married Miss Josephine F. \\'illianis 
of Roxbury, well known for her remarkable 
beauty and loveliness of character. As a result 
of the happy union there were nine children, 
four of whom survive. Mrs. Cox is now deceased. 
Mr. Cox resides at 775 East Broadway. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH UOSTOX. 



495 



CHARLES COX, superintendent of the L 
Street bath, was born in the County Fer- 
managh, Ireland, June 9, 1S54, of Robert 
and Margaret Cox. Coming to this country at 

an early age, he at- 
tended school in 
Bridge water, Mass., 
and graduated from 
the g r a m m a r 
school of that 
place. He removed 
to South Boston in 
1864 and lias been a 
resident of this dis- 
trict ever since. 
After leaving 
school he worked at 
upholstering and 
later went into the 
liquor business for 
himself. He has 
always been in- 
terested and identi- 
fied with South Boston affairs. A thorough 
athlete and expert swimmer, he was appointed 
superintendent of the L Street bath in 1897, suc- 
ceeding Daniel Regan, who, for a score of years 
had occupied the position and who died in that 
year. Mr. Cox has been very efficient in this 
position and has ever been zealous in liis atten- 
tions to the patrons, among whom are num- 
bered leading men of this city and Harvard 
College. He lives at 775 East Broadway. 




] AMES A. COOK, dealer in hardware and 
J wall papers, born corner of 5th and F Sts., 
is the son of John F. and Marv Cole 
(Perkins) Cook. Educated in the Mather and 
I^awrence Schools, 
in 1S67 he became 
a clerk in the hard- 
ware store of Wil- 
liam G. Bird, ami in 
iSC)8 entered the 
emjiloy of John (^ 
Bird on Broadwa\ . 
In January. 1S78. he 
started in Inisinos 
for himself, and a 
year later his jiart- 
ner, C. (t a r d n c r 
Copeland. haxing 
retired, he fi)rnieil 
jiartnership w i t li 
Rufns K. Wood. In 
July, 1880, the lirni 
of Cook i^ Wooti 
removed to 287 Broadway. In April, 18S7, the 
partnership was dissolved, Mr. Cook continuing 
the business to the present time. In 1900 he 
removed to 385 Broadway where he is at 
present. He married Miss Ella M. Disney and 
has one son, George L. Cook, an architect". Mr. 
Cook is past master of Gate of the Temple 
Lodge and a member of St. Matthew's Royal 
Arch Chapter and past commander of St. Omer 
Commanderv. K. T. 




D^ 



5. iSC: 



\TI) W, CREED, real estate and insurance 
broker, is a son of Michael and Ellen C, 
Creed and was born in South Boston Nov. 
7. lie received his education in the public 
schools, the An- 
drew Grammar and 
the Evening High 
School, and first 
entered business as 
a commercial trav- 
eller. His office is 
in Bethesda Hall 
Building, 409 West 
Broadway. 

He was elected to 
the Massachusetts 
Legislature in 1901 
by the Democrats 
of Ward 15. but 
the following vear 
was defeated in the 
caucus. He t h e n 
became the Citi- 
zen's eantlidate antl was elected at the polls, 
leading the ticket. Mr. Creed is a member of 
many organizations including Mt. Washington 
Lodge. A. O. U. W.. South Boston Citizens" 
Association, St. Augustine's Court. ]SL C. O. F.. 
Knights of St. Rose, Knights of Columbus. 
Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club. St. Augustine's 
C. T. A. Society. St. Augustine's Conference, 
Catholic I'nion, A. O, II. and other organiza- 
tions. He is single and resides at 26 Gates St. 




JAMES F. CREED, lawyer, 409 West Broadway 
was born in South Boston, December4, 1869, 
and is a son of Michael and Ellen (Carey) 
Creed. He graduated from the Andrew Grammar 
School in i8S3,anii 
then attended the 
Boston Latin 
School, after which 
he entered Boston 
University L a \\ 
School, graduating 
from the latter in 
June, 1895, IxMiig 
chosen as class 
orator at the com- 
mencement exei'- 
cises. In 1S94 and 
1895 he was elected 
by the Democrats to 
the House of Rep- 
presentatives from 
\\'ard 15. He mar- 
ried Miss Agnes G. 

Sherry on June :!3rd, 1897. and they ha\e three 
children, Eleanor Carey, Marjorie and William 
Carey Creed. Lawyer Creed is a member of 
West End Council," K. of C, St. Augustine's 
Court, M. C. O. F., St. Augustine's C. T. A. 
Society, Winthrop Council, R. A., Mt. Wash- 
ington Lodge, A. O. U. W.. and the Knights of 
St. Rose. He resides at 26 Gates Street, and 
has his business offices in the Bethesda Hall 
Building, corner of F. St. and Broadway. 




496 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



DR. WILLIAM P. CROSS, physician, 491 
East Broadway, is a son of the late James 
J. and Marv A. (Bligh) Cross. He \vas 
born in South Boston and lias always resided 

here. He re- 
ceived his edu- 
cation in the 
public schools 
ot this district, 
•iraduatingfrom 
t h e A n d r e \\' 
School in 1888. 
He entered Har- 
vard Medical 
School later and 
after a thorough 
course received 
his degree of 
M. D. m 1896. 
Shortly after, he 
entered the Car- 
ney Hospital as 
house physician, 
and served as superintendent of the Floating 
Hospital during the season of 1S97. He also 
performed services in the out-patient depart- 
ments of the various hospitals of Boston. 

Dr. Cross is a member of Harvard Medical 
Society, Harvard Medical Alumni, Pere Mar- 
quette Council Knights of Columbus, and 
Trimount Conclave I. O. H. He is medical ex- 
aminer for Trimount Conclave and for the Pru- 
dential Life Insurance Company. 



D 




EXXIS M. CROXTX. dealer in old metals. 

junk, etc., was born in Cork. Ireland. Sept. 

8. 1850. When a year and a half old Mr. 
Cronin came to Boston with his parents, and at- 
tended the Dwight 
School from which 
he graduated in 
1864.^ Shortly 
after this, in August 
1864, he removed to 
South Boston and 
has been a resident 
of this district ever 
since. For man\' 
years he worked 
with his father in 
the metal business, 
and later started in 
for himself, being 
now located at 140 
Dover Street where 
he has a large estab- 
lishment. Particu- 
larly in political circles i> Mr. Cronin well 
known, having been chairman of the Ward 14 
Democratic Committee eight years and he^has 
been prominently identified with the leading 
campaigns of the city and state. Mr. Cronin 
married Miss Mary Kelly, daughter of Hugh 
Kelly, and has six" children living. Euphemia, 
John, Walter, Margaret. Xeil and Agnes. He 
lives at s6 P Street". Mr. Cronin is a member 
of Div. n, A. O. H. 




CAPT. JAMES A. CULLY, born in New 
Haven. Conn.. Oct. 2-^, 1872, of Matthew^ 
and Katherine Cully, came to So. Boston 
in 1873. attended the Hawes. Bigelow and 

E n g 1 i s h High 
Schools. and in 
1S90 entered the 
e m ploy of t h e 
Walworth M a n u - 
facturing Co.. at 
132 Federal St. He 
has risen to be 
manager of the 
foreign orders and 
pipe cutting depart- 
ment. His business 
associates present- 
ed him a sword on 
his departure for 
the Spanish War. 
July I. 1890, he en- 
listed in Co. I, 9th 
Regt., advancing 
rapidly. He ^^ as in service at Santiago, returning 
in command of his company. December, 1899. 
he was chosen captain. He is a member of Maj. 
M. J. O'Connor Camp L. S. W. V., Old Guard 
of Mass., Mass. Comd., Naval and Military Order 
of the Spanish American War, So. Boston 
Covmcil K. C, and the Boston Branch, Soc. of 
the Army of Santiago. Capt. Cully married 
Katherine L. Qiiigley, has one child, George 
Qiiigley Cully and resides at 115 (t St. 




MICHAEL F. CURRAN, law student, was 
born in South BostonNov. 30. 1875. His 
parents were Patrick A. and Bridget 
(Walsh) Curran, esteemed residents of the 
peninsula district. 
Michael graduated 
from the Lincoln 
Grammar School in 
1S90. attended the 
English High 
School in 1890 and 

1891. Boston Latin 
School i n 1891- 

1892. graduated 
from St. Joseph's 
College. Kirkwood. 
Mo., in 1897 and 
from the Boston 
University L a w 
School in 1902. Mr. 
Curran is now 
located with Porter 
and Sigliano, Pem- 
berton Square . 

Deeply interested in Democratic politics, Mr. 
Cm-ran was president of the Democratic Club 
of the Boston University Law School and was 
elected to the Legislature for 1903. He has served 
as secretary of the City Point Catholic Asso. 
and is a member of Div. 66, A. O. H., and the 
Somerset Associates. In 1902 he married Miss 
Margaret C.Canning and they have one daughter, 
Marguerite Curran. He lives at 728 E. Third St. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



497 



MICHAEL J. COLLINS, born in Fernioy. 
County Cork, Ire., July 8, 1S51. of Janios 
and Ellen Collins, Avas educated in the 
Brother-" School there, and came to South Boston 

in 1865. He ser\ed 
his time as a brick- 
layer and then, 
three vears, was 
foreman for a lar^e 
con tractor, superin- 
t e n d i n g, among 
other \y o r k s , the 
Dorchester Bay 
T u n n e 1 . Started 
contract! n g in 
1875 and is no\y of 
the firm of Collins 
iV: Ham, 1 19 ]5oston 
St. Among h i s 
large contracts was 
the" Chestnut Hill 
pumping station, 
seyeral sections of 
the improved -ewerage. and large part of Blue 
Hill .Vye. Boulevard. He has been chairman 
of the Ward 16 Democratic Committee six 
years and elected to the Legislature for 1903. 
lie is a member of A. O. U. \V., the American 
Order of Fraternal Helpers. N. I. A. A., 
and the A. O. H. for thirty years. He married 
Miss Hannah Flanagan, has seven children. 
James P., Mary F.. John J.. Edward A.. William, 
.Vnna and Katherine. and lives at 121 Boston St. 




CLEMENT H. COLMAN. lawyer, was born 
in Boston, Nov. 23, 1871, of Henry J. and 
Hannah J. Colman. When five years of 
age he removed to South Boston, graduated from 
the Lawrence 
School in 1885, and 
the English High 
School in 18S8. 
For three years he 
worked in a law- 
yer's office, after 
which he was in the 
insurance business 
for himself. He 
was clerk for the 
Democratic State 
Committee and 
then, having a fond- 
ness for law, he 
studied a year in 
the office of 
William H. Baker, 
and, in 1902, with 

no other opportunity to study and without at- 
tending law school, he took the bar examination 
and was adinitted. His office is at 494 East Broad- 
way. Mr. Colman, in 1892, married Miss Sarah 
A. Terry of Roxbury, who died in 1899. He has 
one child, Henry F., and lives at 221 Gold St. 
Mr. Colman has long been identified with Demo- 
cratic politics and in the fall of 1902 was elected 
to the Common Council for 1903. He is archon 
of Trimount Conclave, I. O. H. 




/^HARLESA. CURTIS, druggist. 373 Wot 
V^ Broadway, was born in Danvers, Slass.. in 
1869 and is a son of Thomas and Bridget 
Curtis. He received his early education in the 
public schools of 
his native place, 
graduating from the 
Tapley Grammar 
School in 18S2.afl.er 
which he attended 
the Danvers High 
School. He then 
entered the employ 
of his brother, 
George S. Curtis of 
Peabody, who con- 
liucts a drug store 
at that place, and 
began the study of 
pharmacy. Later 
he attended the 
Massachusetts Col- 
lege of Pharmacy. 
He was registered in February, 1S92. and in 
1894 came to South Boston and established a 
business at 226 West Broadway. Shortl\- after 
he opened another store at his present stand 
and for a time conducted both, but he disposed 
of the former in 1899. He is a member of 
South Boston Council. Knights of Columbus, 
Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club. Massachusetts 
Pharmaceutical Association and the South Bos- 
ton Drusfsrists' Association. 




JOSEPH DAVIS, fruit merchant and grocer, 
was born in Fayal, one of the Azores, July 
24, 1854, worked on his father's farm until he 

was 12, when he caine to Ainerica, and became a 

citizen at 21, He 

first settled in 

Little Compton, R. 

I., remaining there 

16 years, working 

on a farm, and in 

18S2 caine to 

Boston. He bought 

a store on Wash- 
ington St., opposite 

the Cathedral , 

launching into the 

fruit bus i n e s s. 

continuing ever 

since. He came to 
South Boston in 
1886 and opened a 
store at 802 East 
5th St. By close 

attention to business his trade increased so that 
soon he opened another at 751 Broadway and for 
12 years has also dealt in fine groceries in both 
stores. He was the first fruit dealer in South 
Boston to ripen bananas and other fruits by 
artificial means, in his own place. He has large 
real estate interests and pays large taxes. In 1884 
he married Mary G. Higgins and has four 
children, Frances M., Arthur ]., Emma J. and 
Ruth L. and lives at 802 East Fifth St. 




498 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON 



WILLIAM STOLGHTON DILLAWAY 
was born on Purchase St., Fort Hill, 
Boston, May 27, 1817, of Thomas and Marv 
(Vaux) Dillaway." His father was, for his whole 
lifetime, engaged in the extensive business of 
fitting out ships, in the days when foreign ship- 
ping in Boston was among the most extensive 
business interests of the country, and was 
located on Dillaway's Wharf, foot of Purchase 
St., occupied in olden times by Samuel Dillaway, 
an old time Boston merchant, and father of 
Charles Knapp Dillaway, at one time master of 
the Boston Latin School and for whom the 
Dillaway School in Roxbury was named. 

The family progenitor was William Dillaway, 
who distinguished himself as a trooper in King 
Philip's War. and who is believed to have emi- 
grated from Minchinhampton, England. 

The subject of this sketch was educated in the 
public schools of Boston, under Master Fox, and 
was for many years engaged in making piano- 
fortes with the old-time firm of Timothv Gilbert 



WILLIAM EDWARD L. DILLAWAY, 

lawyer and president of the American Pneumatic 
Service Co., is one of the best known of South 
Boston's former residents. He was born in the 
district, Feb. 17, 1852. educated in the grammar 
school and the English High School and finished 
under private tutors and graduated from the Dane 
Law School, Harvard University, in 187 1, with 
the degree of LL. B. In the office of A. A. 
Ranney and Nathan Morse, he pursued his 
studies, diligently and faithfully, until, on Feb. 
17, 1S73, his 2 1st birthday, he was admitted to 
the bar. Even before this he had argued cases 
before the full bench of the Supreme Court. 
Mr. Dillaway ciuickly forged ahead, soon 
taking rank with the leading attorneys of the 
city, until, about 18S5, he was engaged as 
counsel for the Bay State Gas Co., and this 
occupied the greater part of his time. With his 
remarkable ability and wide experience, he gave 
excellent service in this very important position 
and was sole counsel in the matter of combina- 





WILLIAM S, DILLAWAY. 



WILLIAM E. L. DILLAWAY. 



^ Co. Mr. Dillaway was deeply interested in 
the anti-slavery movement with Mr. Gilbert, and 
rendered many and valuable services in assisting 
escaped slaves. He moved to South Boston in 
the early forties, and was always highly respected 
for his honesty and integrity of character. He 
was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion, and 
enlisted at the outset in the Second Rhode Island 
Regt., under Col. William Sprague, afterward 
governor of that state. He died in Boston Sept. 
14, 1901, at the age of eighty-four years. Mr. 
Dillaway was married to Ann Maria Brown of 
Portsmouth, N. H., and the children were Maria 
E. A. Dillaway, wife of Henry D. Simpson, 
Charles O. L. Dillaway, president of the 
Mechanics' National Bank, and William E. L. 
Dillaway, counsellor at law. 



tion of the gas companies of Boston. Through 
his influence and ability these large interests 
were placed on a soimd financial basis, and for 
eight years he was the managing director and 
counsel of the combination. 

Ultimately, however, Mr. Dillaway withdrew 
from active participation in the affairs of the 
gas companies, though still retaining a 
targe financial interest. He had been counsel 
for Henry M. Whitney and was one of 
the prime movers and counsel in bringing about 
the consolidation of the street railways of 
Boston. He also purchased the control of the 
Mechanics' National Bank, placing his brother, 
Charles O. L. Dillaway at the head, as president, 
and the present large ofiices, at the corner of 
Washington and Franklin Sts., were occupied 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



499 



tor the rapidly increasing business. Interested 
in the new idea of extending the use of pneu- 
matic tubes for the transmission of mail and 
parcels underground, Mr. Dillaway became pre>- 
ident of the American Pneumatic Service Co., 
and under his direction was built the system 
that carries the mail from the General Post 
Office to the North Union and to the South 
Union Stations, and also connects the Essex St., 
Back Bar, South End. Roxbury and Dorchester 
sub postal stations, making the largest and most 
complete pneumatic tube postal system in the 
world. Bv this system all letters are transmitted 
between stations in about one minute's time. 
Mr. Dilla^vay is also at the head of similar sys- 
tems now under construction in Chicago and St. 
Louis. Among the other important interests 
of Mr. Dillaway are his management, as a 
trustee, of the Robert B. Brigham estate and 
the control of this estate of over $5,000,000 
left bv Mr. Brighain for the establishment of an 
hospital for incurables in Boston. 

Mr. Dillaway was the Fourth of July orator 
in 1SS8 and is a pleasing and forceful speaker. 
Although now removed from South Boston he 
still retains his love and admiration for the old 
peninsula district. He is a student and lover 
of art, and has a large and magnificent col- 
lection of oil paintings and etchings by the 
great masters, and has a beautiful home at 80 
Commonwealth Avenue. Mr. Dillaway has 
participated in nearly all of South Boston's 
Evacuation Dav celebrations. 



DR. |()SI:P11 FRANCIS DELAHANTY, 
dentist. 2-') Dorchester Street, is a son of 
Patrick and Monica Delahanty and was 
horn in Kilkenn\. Ire.. May 24. 1876. He at- 
tended St. John's 
School there, and. 
coming to South 
Boston in 1SS7. 
entered the English 
1 ligh School. Fin- 
ishing his studies 
he entered the em- 
ploy of Shepard X: 
Norwell as cashier. 
Later he took a 
course in ei\il en- 
gineering at the 
Massachusetts In- 
stitute of Technol- 
og\ and for three 
\ears \\a> engaged 
in that inisiness. 
He took up the 

study of dentistry at Tuft's College, tinishing the 
course in 1901 with the tlegree of I). M. D. He 
then began practice at his present location. 
From 189J to 1895 he served in Major Follett's 
Light Battery and from 1896 to 1897 was a mem- 
ber of the Second Brigade Signal Corps. He 
is a member of South Boston Conclave. I.O.H., 
Massachusetts Dental Society. Boston Catholic 
.\hunni Sodality and Battery A ^'eteran .\ss'n. 
lie married Miss Anna C. Flvnn. June j6, 1901. 




DR. PATRICK H. DEVINE. dentist. 938 
Dorchester Avenue. Dorchester, was born 
in South Boston in 1873. He is a son of 
Patrick and Ellen (Shevlin) De\ ine. Dr. Devine 
\\a- educateti in the 
pulilie schools ot 
this district, gradu- 
ating f r o m the 
Bi<4elow Grammar 
Seiiool in 1890. He 
then attended the 
English Hi g h 
School for one vear 
and left there to 
enter Comers'Com- 
mercial C o 1 1 e g e. 
Finishing his 
studies there i n 
189J he entered the 
city s u r v ey o r ' s 
department where 
he remained for 
two years. In 1896 
he entered l-!oston Dental College, and. after 
taking the full course, graduated with his degree 
in 1899. He immediately began practice and 
has been verv successful. Dr. Devine is a mem- 
ber of Savin Hill Council. Knights of Columbus. 
Bav State Conclave. Improved Order of 
Heptasophs and the Catholic Alinnni Sodalit\ . 
He resided at 383 West P^ourth Street until 1897 
when he moved to his present residence 53 
Roseclair Street, Dorchester. 




JOHN J. DORGAN. grocer and provision 
dealer, born in County Kerry, Ire., Feb. 
I, 1852, of John and Julia Dorgan, came to 
this country in 1857. attended sehool in New- 
ma r k e t , N . H . . 
Iv a w r e n c e and 
Lowell, Mass. He 
worked in the Paci- 
fic Mills, Lawrence, 
came to So. Boston 
i n 1 868, learned 
^\■ o o d carving 
w i t h Christopher 
Blake, remaining 
nine years, attended 
a drawing and de- 
signing school and 
the South Boston 
School of Art. In 
1877 he started in 
the grocery busi- 
ness, moving to his 
present location, 

:;3i Third St.. in 1884. building up a large busi- 
ness. Mr. Dorgan is married, has four children, 
MarvA.. Edmo'nd. Julia and John, and lives at 
632 E. Third St. He is treasurer of Winthrop 
Council, R. A., member of So. Boston Council, 
K. C, A. O.U.W., Heptasophs. Charitable Irish 
Societv.N. E. O. P. .American Fraternal Helpers, 
New England Grocers' Asso. and So. Boston 
Citizens' Asso.. and was secretary of St. \Mn- 
cent Conference of the Gate of Heaven Church. 




500 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



"liyiLLIAM DEVINE was born in the County 
of Tyrone, Ireland, in March, 1827. When 
yet a lad he came to the United States. 
In the early fifties, he settled in South Boston, 
and, beginning in the year 1S59 he was engaged 
in the North River flagging stone business at 
the corner of Fourth and Foundry Streets and, 
continuing at tliis, until the time of his death, 
which occurred December 21, 1S76. He was one 
of the pioneers in this line of business in the 
Eastern New England States. His widow, Mar- 
garet Devine, and six children survived hin; : 
John A., James V., Dr. William H., Annie G., 
(Mrs. George F. H. Murray,) Catherine A., (Mrs. 
John T. Kaler),and Mary C, (deceased.) 

JOHN A. DEVINE was 
born in South Boston. 
He graduated froni the 
Lincoln School in the 
class of 1872 and after- 
ward attended the English 
High School and also 
Boston College. He has 
been engaged in the real 
estate and insurance busi- 
ness at 485 East Broadway 
since 1S90. He is a 
member of the Ancient 
Order of United Work- 
men and of the South 
Boston Citizens' Associa- 
tion. Mr. Devine mar- 
ried Miss Mary Driscoll, 
and has three children, 
Austin F., Hilda M. and 
Herbert. 

JAMES V. DEVINE, 
engaged in real estate and 

insurance business, was born in South Boston, 
and for many years lived in the district. He 
graduated from the Lincoln Grammar School in 
the class of 1874 and then attended the Mass. 
Institute of Technology, taking the course of 
practical mechanics. He has since been very 
well known in real estate and business circles 
of South Boston and Dorchester, having erected 
many dwelling houses in both of these districts, 
and, since 1896, he has been engaged in the real 
estate business at 927 Dorchester Avenue. Since 
1890 Mr. Devine has made his home in Jamaica 
Plain. Mr. Devine married Miss Charlotte E. 
Richardson and has four children, Robert, 
Alfred, Francis and Margaret. 




WILLIAM DEVINE. 



DR. WILLIAM H. DEVINE, was born in 
South Boston. He was educated in the public 
grammar, English High and Boston Latin 
Schools of his native city and was graduated 
from the Harvard Medical School with the degree 
of M. D. in 1883. The same 3 ear he was ap- 
pointed house officer at the Carney Hospital. 
He was visiting physician to the Suffolk County 
House of Correction from 18S6 to 1889. He 
then became out patient physician to the Carney 
Hospital, and, in 1S96. was appointed visiting 
physician, which position he still holds. 

Dr. Devine received the appointment of assis- 
tant surgeon ot the Ninth Regiment Infantry, M. 
V. M., July 16, 1S83, and was promoted surgeon 
March i, 1884. He was 
appointed and commis- 
sioned medical director, 
with the rank of lieuten- 
ant-colonel, on the staff of 
the Second Brigade, Sept. 
11,1897. At the outbreak 
of hostilities with .Spain, 
he gave up this office of 
brigade surgeon, and ac- 
cepted the position of 
second assistant surgeon, 
with the rank of lieuten- 
ant, in his old regiment, 
the Ninth Massachusetts 
\'olunteer Infantry, and 
was commissioned May S, 
189S. June 8, 1S9S, he 
was promoted to brigade 
surgeon and on June 23, 
of that year, he was as- 
signed to the First Bri- 
gade, First Division of 
the Second Army Corps. August 26. 1898, Dr. 
Devine was made acting chief surgeon of the 
Second Division of the Second Army Corps. 
After five months of continual service he was 
honorably discharged and returned to his home 
in South Boston in October, 1S98. After the 
war Dr. Devine resumed his office of medical 
director of the Second Brigade, M. V. M, 

Dr. Devine is a member of the Massachusetts 
Medical Society and other medical societies. 
He is also a member of Maj. M. J. O'Connor 
Camp, No. 4, L. S. W. V., Columbus Court, 
M. C. O. F., and several local organizations. 
Dr. Devine married Miss Katherine G. Sullivan 
and has five children, William H., Dorothy, 
Katherine, Paul and Joseph. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



501 



PATRICK DUNN, dealer in hav, tirain and wood and coal, was born in the town of Munstereven, 
Coiintv of Kiidare, Ireland. His parents were Patrick Dunn and Maria (Mitchell) Dunn, well 
known residents of his native place. While at the same time helpin.i^ his father at his work, 

young Dunn attended the Blake School in the County of (Jalway, where he received his early educa- 
tion. Like unto others of his race he heard stories of great 
opportunities from across the ocean and he came to America 
when a \oung man. 

In iS\t) he removed to South Boston and has been a resi- 
dent of this district ever since. Throughout his residence in 
this district Mr. Dunn has been deeply interested in its affairs 
and of the citv. In his youth he served five years in the 
Second Artillery of the United States Army and participated 
in the second Seminole War, serving under (ieneral Harnett. 
Throughout his career in the army he ever distinguished 
himself, winning much praise from his superior ollicers, and, 
when his services were no longer needed by his country, he 
retired to a business life. He was for many years (from 
1S7S to 1896) inspector and weigher of hay and straw, and in 
the latter vear he bought out the hay and grain establishment 
at the corner of Dorchester and Bolton Streets and has since 
conducted this business, one of the largest establishments of 
its kind in South Boston. He is well known to the business 
men of the district and stands high in the estimation of his 
fellow citizens. 

He married Miss Mary Sullivan, daughter of Laurence 
Sullivan, an old resident of the district, and has three sons 
and three daughters, Margaret M., Mary E., Catherine, John 
IL, (well known in military circles, member of the Ninth 
Regiment and who servecf in the Spanish War and the 
PhUippine Campaign,) William M. and Patrick. He is a 

member of the Gate of Heaven Ciuirch and is interested in many of its societies. An ardent 

admirer of South Boston, he is interested in its welfare, and for many yeais has manifested a deep 

public spirit. He lives at 874 East Broadway. 




CAPT. JOHN II. DUNN, claim agent for the Boston street commissioners 
Boston August I, 1869. his parents being Patrick and Mary (Sullivan) 
the Lincoln Grammar School and Comer"s Commercial College, and in i 
his father at the Boston & Albany hay sheds, assisting him as an inspector 
In 1890. on becoming of age. he became an inspector liiniself 
and remained in that position until the outbreak of tlie 
Spanish War in 189S. Alwavs of a military {\\vu ot niinil. 
Capt. Dunn joined Co. I. of the Ninth Regiment, Sept. 21. 
1S88. and was promoted to the position of second lieutenant 
May 6, 1S91, first lieutenant in 1S92 and captain in 1895. 
At the outbreak of the Spanish War he went to the front in 
command of Co. I. serving throughout the Santiago cam- 
paign and until he was taken sick. July 25. 1898. He was then 
sent to Eggemont Key, Florida, and when his strength hati 
siitliciently returned he was sent home. He was mustered 
out of the' service, Nov. 26, 1898. On the reorganization of 
the regiment he was elected to his former position as captain 
of Co.I. July 5. 1899. he was appointed captain in the 28th 
Infantry. Un'ited States Volunteers, and served throughout 
Wheaton's expedition in the Southern Luzon. He returned 
to America April 14, 1900. and was mustered out May i. 
1901. He was designated by President McKinley with a 
lieutenancy in the regular army and was recommended for 
brevet-major of volunteers bv President Roosexelt in 190J 
for distinguished service in the presence of the enemy at 
Cavite Province. Island of Luzon. 

From Ward 14 he served in the Common Council in 1S95. 
1S96. 1897 and 1898. and has taken a prominent part in the 
politics of the ward. On his return from the Philippine 
Islands he renewed his activity in Ward 14 politics and 
assisted in the Collins campaign'in 1901. He was appointed claim agent by M 
and has an office in the Tremcmt Building. In 1S96 he married Miss Lucy J- 
Boston and resides on East Broadwa^•. 



. was h( 
Dunn. 
S85 wen 
and wei 



He 

t to 



1 South 
It tended 
\ ork for 
of hay. 




avor Co 
"Matthe 



llin 
ws 



s in 1902, 
of South 



502 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



JOHN M. DOYLE, restaurateur and lunch 
room, was born in Sterling. Mass., Jan. 15, 
1S75. He is the son of James E. and Anna 
F. (Gatelv) Dovle. He -was educated in the 
schools of his 
native to\\n. going 
through the prim- 
ary, grammar and 
high schools. In 
1895 he came to 
Boston and started 
in on a small scale 
in the lunch busi- 
ness, leasing a 
lunch cart and 
locating in Scollay 
Sq. His motto has 
ever been to give 
the best goods at 
moderate prices 
and he was success- 
fid from the start. 
In 1 89 7 he pur- 
chased the restaurant at 227 West Broadway, 
where he is now located, and since then, by con- 
scientious dealings and strict integrity he has 
built up the present large business which he 
directs and controls. Early in 1902 he enlarged 
his establishment to just twice its former size. 
Mr. Doyle is a splendid example of South 
Boston's self-made men. He is a member of 
Division 58, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and 
resides at 122 FStreet. 




JOSIAH DLNHAM, deceased, proprietor of 
the first rope walk in South Boston, and a 
leading man of his time, was born in New 
Bedford, being descended from the earliest set- 
tlers of Plymouth. Early in life he came to 
Boston, served an apprenticeship at rope making 
and first cominenced the manufactiu'e of cordage 
on his own account in a rope walk in the vicin- 
ity of the present Boylston Street, Boston. In 
1S07 he purchased considerable land in the vicin- 
ity of B Street, South Boston, and built a hand- 
some residence and rope walk where he continued 
in the manufactme of cordage until the close of 
1S53. He was prominent in the agitation for 
the building of the North Free Bridge, served 
in the Common Council in 1S33 and the three 
following years was a member ol' the Board of 
Aldermen. He erected manv large dwellings 
and stores, many of which are yet standing, and 
while a member of the Board of Aldermen suc- 
cessfullv iu"ged the grading of many streets in 
the district. He died April 28, 1S57, 82 years of 
age. 



JOSIAH DUNHAM, JR., was born in Boston 
in 1S04, '^'^d removed to South Boston with his 
father^ also engaging in business with him. He 
was in the Common Council in 1837, 1849, 1S50 
and 1851. and in the Board of Aldermen in 1854 
and 1S55. The setting apart of Dorchester 
Heights as a park was his project. He died April 
17, 1877. 



VyiLLIAM J. DRU.MMOND. restaurateur 
» * and councilman in 1903. was born in 
South Boston. Feb. 9. 1867 of William" 
and Ellen O j'Connor; Drummond. He attended 
the Capen Primar^ 
and the Lincoln 
Grammar Schools, 
ami. at an early 
age. \\ent to work 
for the WaK\orth 
ManufacturingCo.. 
A\ here he remained 
nine \ears. then on 
t h e " W e s t En tl 
Street Railway Co. 
and then in the in- 
surance business. 
In 1896 he opened 
a restaurant at the 
corner of Emerson 
Street and East 
Broadw.-iy which, 
owing to increased 
business, was removed to 621 East Broadwav. 
In 1900 he also opened a restaurant at 902 East 
Second St. Avhich he still continues. Mr. 
Drummond was elected to the Common Council 
in the fall of 1902. He is married to Miss 
Margaret Curry and they have foin- children. 
William, Frances, Henry and Margaret and they 
live at 876 East Broadway. Mr. Drummond is 
a member of Defender Lodge 280, N. E. O. P. 
and the Somerset Associates. 




JOHN H. DYER. of the firm of P. Dyer ,.^- Son, 
boot and shoe dealers at 269 West Broadwa_\', 
is a life long resident of South Boston. He 
is a son of Patrick and Mar\ Dyer, both old and 
well known res- 
idents of this dis- 
trict. After finish- 
ing his studies, he 
entered the boot 
and shoe business 
with his father at 
269 West Broadw ay 
the firm name at 
that time being (. 
\- P. Dyer, atid 
he has been afiili- 
ated with it since 
that time. The firm 
established b u s i - 
ness at this place in 
1864 and it is the 
oldest establish- 
ment of its kintl 

now in South Boston. After being in the em- 
ploy of the concern from 1885 until 1892 Mr. 
i^yer became a partner in the firm and the name 
has since been changed to P. Dyer iV Son. Mr. 
Dver has resided at his present residence. 377 
\Vest Fourth Street, for several years. His 
establishment is one of the largest and best 
equipped in South Boston and carries an exten- 
sive stock of footwear A\hich includes all of the 
manv varieties of up-to-date boots and shoes. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



5^3 



B 



ARXAP.. 

Street 

and bu 

South Y 



\S I 
Bo St 

sines 
irnu 



Mr. Kldridg 
I)Oston he h 
Deposit and 



Ll)Rn)GP2, senior member ot the firni of Kldridne cV Peabody. 114-116 Tremont 
on. is a former resident of South Boston, and is well known "here both in social 
circles. Mr. Eldridjje is a son of Barnabas and Rebecca Eldridge and was born 
th. >rass.. in 1847. He spent his early life in his native place, where he was 
educated in the public schools. Like many other younj^- men, 
Mr. Eldridge thouiiht that the city offered far better oppor- 
tunities for advancement in busine-~N life, and he accordingly 
determined to leave home. W'iien 19 years old he came 
to Boston whei-e he began his business career with the firm 
of E. 1). Everett N: Company and later was in the employ of 
William G. Harris, both well known dry goods concerns at 
that time. 

In 1869 Mr. Eldridge opened an establishment of his own 
at 4J Hanover Street, where he remained until 187.2, when he 
came to South Boston establishing a dry goods business 
at J89 West Broadway. He remained at that place for 
17 vears. Later he moved hi> place of busine-- to :;9i 
West Broadwav. where he had more adecpiate facilitio tor 
conducting his" business, which had greatly incieased. lie 
continued at :!9i West Broadway for eight years, and was 
one of the most successful business men in South Boston. 
Mr. Eldridge married Miss Elizabeth E. Harris, a daughter 
of William G. Harris, for whom he formerly worked. It was 
the death of Mr. Harris that resulted in Mr. Eldridge giving 
up hi> business in South Boston. Mr. Harris at the time of 
his death. October 29. 1897, was conducting an extensive 
carpet and furniture business at 114-116 Tremont Street, 
Boston. Mr. Eldridge and Mr. Peabody purchased this 
business and the entire stock from the heirs of William G. 
Harris, the name of the firm being Eldridge i\: Peabody. 
e purchased and resided in the estate 516 East Broadway, but since leaving South 
as resided at the Parker House, Boston. He was formerly a director of the Mattajian 
Trust Companv. and prominent in South Boston's affairs. 




JAMES ELLIS, of the James Ellis Company, furniture dealers, corner of West Broadway and 
B Street, has for manv vears been closely identified with business affairs of Souih Boston, and 
has conducted one of "it's largest furniture houses. He came here in 1884, when he continued 
the business formerly managed by A. G. Neary and C. H. Robinson, having as his partner Mr. 
Lewis, the firm being known as Ellis & Lewis. Consoli- 
dating wMth C II. Robinson in the city, Mr. Ellis was, for 
six vears, engaged in the in-town house, during which time 
he changed his residence from South Boston. In 1S95 Mr. 
Ellis assumed charge of the old store on Broadway and 
has remained in charge ever since, the business having 
recentlv been incorporated as the James Ellis Company. 
Graduallv increasing, the business recently has taken 
rapid strides and is not only confined to South Boston, 
but the out lying districts, the company making a specialty 
of selling goods on the instalment plan. Mr. Ellis, while 
busily engaged in other matters, has the business managed 
by hfs son, William Ellis, who is thoroughly familiar with 
all its branches. 

Mr. James Ellis is a member of the Ancient and Honorable 
Artillery Company and was sergeant of that organization in 
1896 when that company made its memorable trip to London. 
He is also a member of the Boston Lodge, 10. of the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, South Boston 
Citizens" Association, Boston Athletic Association, Catholic 
Union, the Old Dorchester Club and Mt. Washington Lodge 
1 15. Ancient Order of United Workmen. Although a resident 
of Boston, Mr. Ellis spends much of his time, particularly 
in the summer, the late spring and earl\ tall on his magni- 
ficent farm in Blackstone, Mass. 

Mr. William Ellis resides on 15elfort Street, in Dorchester. 
He has assisted in the Broadway store many years during which time he has acquiied a thorough 
knowledge of the business and directs the many representatives of the establishment in out-of- 
town places. 




504 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



FREDERICK \V. FARWELL, manufacturer of kindling wood, of the firm of Farwell Brothers, 
and alderman from the Ninth District, was born in South Boston, November 29, 1854, and is 
a life-long resident of this district. He received his education in the public schools, finishing 
at Eaton's Commercial School and then succeeded to his father's business, started in 1836, one of 

the oldest kindling wood establishments in the state and the 
oldest in South Boston. The business has always been, as 
it is now, located on Dorr Street and is now one of the 
largest of its kind in the entire citv. 

A Repviblican in jiolitics Alderman Farwell has alwavs 
identified himself with affairs of that partv, ever taking 
part in caucuses and elections, and in 1897 and 1898 he 
rejiresented Ward i6 in the Common Council, and in 1899 
and 1900 served in the Massachusetts House of Represent- 
atixes. He served on the important committee of harbors 
and public lands in both vears, 1899 and 1900. He has been 
secretarv of the ^^^'lrd 16 Ward and Citv Committee, and. in 
the fall of 1901. was elected to the Board of Aldermen of 
Boston, serving in 1902 \\ith Alderman Miller, both being 
from the Ninth District, Wards 16. 20 and 24. and in the 
fall of 1902 he was re-elected for the year 1903. serving with 
Alderman Ste\\'art. 

In the latter vear he ser\ ed on nearh all the important 
committees, among them the standing committee on electric 
w ires, lamps, licenses and public improvements, joint stand- 
ing committees on appropriations, finance, health, lamps, 
police, public lands, and the following departments : art. 
auditing, city clerk, city messenger, elections, engineering, 
institutions. librar\'. ordnances and law, registry, statistics, 
street and water departments, and he was on the joint special 
committees on E\acuation Day. Foiu'th of July. Mayor's 
address. Memorial Day and rules and orders. He is a member of the North Dorchester Republican 
Club, the Old Dorchester Club, the Gentlemen's Driving Club. Massachusetts Lodge. F. and A. 
M. He is married and lives at 44 Harvest Street. 




WILLI.\M J. FEE LEY, engaged in real 
estate business, was born in Ireland in 
1S56 and came to America when quite 
young. His parents were James and Mary 

(Burke) Feeley. He 
received his early 
education in the 
National School in 
Ireland. He be- 
came a resident of 
South Boston in 
1876 and has since 
lived in the district, 
a warm admirer of 
the section and a 
zealous worker in 
her interests. He 
married Marv The- 
resa Regan, daugh- 
ter of John and 
Mary Regan of the 
South End and a 
graduate of the 
Franklin School. They reside at Hotel Marie, 
Thomas Park, of which Mr. Feelev is the owner. 
Mr. Feeley has the care of a large amount of real 
estate and has charge of many investments in 
the same. He was a prin:e mover in the im- 
proving of Covington Street, and the building 
of granite steps there. He is a member of 
South Boston Council K. C.,of the A. O. V W., 
South Boston Citizens' Association, and for 
many years of St. Augustine's Conference. 




T^RANK R. FITZGERALD, dealer in wall 
-L ]iaper ami window shades, son of ^\"illiam 
E. antl .Vnnie P^itzgerald. was born in 
Ciloucester. March 17. 1S62. At an early age he 
became a resident of 
Boston, and in 1873 
removed to South 
Boston. He attended 
the Brimmer School 
on Common Street. 
and in 1889 entered 
the employ of the 
Hovt Co. on Broad- 
way antl worked as 
paper hanger until 
Ma\ 1. 1899. when he 
joined with Charles 
y. ^Sleissner. a well 
known painter, in a 
business which has 
since been conducted 
verv successfully at 
666 Elast Broadway. 

Mr. Fitzgerald is married, has one daughter, 
.\dola. and lives at 870 East 5th Street. In 1890 
he was secretary of the Young Men's Republican 
Club and of the Ward 14 Republican Committee 
in 1890. 1897 and 1898. He received the Re- 
publican nomination for the Common Council 
in 1895 and the Senatorial nomination in 1900 
and 1901. He was president of the South Boston 
Republican Club in 1900. and is a member of 
the Citizens" Asso., Aid Asso., and others. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



505 



MICHAEL E. FITZGERALD, master of the Chri«^tophoi- Gibson School in Doi riicster. is well 
known in South Boston. He \\as born in Rockland, Mass.. Nov. 22. 1863, and is the son 
ot John C. and Marv (Donavan) Fitzijerald. He graduated tVoni the Rockland High School 
and in 1S84 entered the Bridgewater Normal School. He gratluated from the latter in 1S87. 
Almost immediately after, he was selected as master of the 
Main Street Grammar School in Spencer, Mass. He re- 
mained in charge of that school until 1891. when he went to 
Framingham, Mass., to become master of the Lincoln (irani- 
niar School at that place, and while there studied law in the 
ofHce of Walter Adams. Esq., being admitted to the Massa- 
chusetts Bar in 1S97. Later he took charge of the Emily 
]. W'etherbee Grammar School. Lawrence, Mass., and it was 
\\hile in charge of that school in 1901. that he was selected 
as sub-master of the Lawrence School of this district. His 
work has been of such a high order that when the Shin-tleff 
\'acation School was decided upon in 1902, Mr. Fitzgerald 
was chosen to organize and conduct it. which he did with 
such success that the school proved to be the largest of its 
kind in the country. In the fall of 1902, when educational 
centers were inaugiu-ated. Mr. Fitzgerald organized and was 
made master of the Bigelow E^ducational Center and conducted 
it during the season of 1902 and 1903 with remarkable success. 
there being 4361 registered pupils. He is a district deputv 
in the Knights of Columbus, a member of CcEur de Leon 
Council of South Framingham, of Division 30. A. (). II.. 
Copley Coimcil R. -\., Middlesex Masters' Club. Massachu- 
setts Teachers" Association. Middlesex Bar Association. 
Massachusetts Evening School Club, Boston Sub-Masters" 
Club, Young Men"s Catholic Association of Boston. He 
married Miss Mary E. Brassill of South Weymouth and thev 

have four children, (ierald Cushing. Robert Brassill. Walter Adam^ and John Cushing. Another 
son, the eldest. Pierce Edward, died in his third year. Mr. Fitzgerald was elected master of the 
Christopher Gibson School in 1903. He ranks among the foremost of Massachusetts educators. 




C 



ORNELILS P. FLYNN, druggist. Andrew 
Sc|.. was born in Portsmouth. N. H.. 
w here he attended the grammar and high 
hools. He came to Boston in 1S72 and ^\as 
liookkeeper for a 
ma nu fa c t u r i n g 
house. In 1S7S he 
entered the drug 
business with his 
brother. W. H. 
F 1 \ n n . then lo- 
cated imder \\'ash- 
ington Hall. In 
1884 thev moved to 
the present store. 
Mr.C.P. Flynn, in 
the meantime, be- 
coming a registered 
p h a r m aci st. On 
the death of his 
brother, he became 
owner of the busi- 
nes>. He is presi- 
dent of the Mass. State Pharmaceutical Associ- 
ation, president of Apothecaries" Guild and of 
the So. Boston Druggists' Association, secretary 
of the New England Retail Druggists' L'nion. 
trustee of the Mass. College of Pharmacy, 
president of the Lonsdale Improvement Associa- 
tion, and a member of the executive committee 
of the Boston Druggists' Association, Ashmont 
Improvement Association, and United Im- 
provement Council of Dorchester. 




"T^R. WILLIAM M. FLYNX. dentist, 474A 
-*-^ ^\"est Broadway, \\as born in South Bos- 
ton and attended its public schools. For 
severalyears he represented the Redpath Lyceum 
Bureau, as acting 
manager of musical 
and literary celeb- 
rities. He accom- 
panied John B. 
Gough on his last 
tour of California, 
and was associated 
with Mrs. Frank 
Leslie, Matthew 
Arnold, Just in 
McCarthy." .M. P.. 
the Remenvi con- 
certs, the American 
tours of Mrs. Scott- 
Siddons, Sergius 
Stepniak, leader of 
the Russian Revo- 
lutionary party. Withdrawing from a success- 
ful business career he entered Boston Dental 
School in 1S92, \\as one of his class presidents- 
and, graduating, began practice in South Boston, 
where he has acquired an extensive clientele. 
He is a member of St. Augustine's Lyceum, 
local representative of Mass. Dental Society, 
Catholic Alumni Club, So. Boston Citizens' 
Asso., Irish Charitable Society. Robt. Fulton 
Council. K. C, vice-president City Point Cath- 
olic Assn., and South Boston Conclave, I. O. IL 





THOMAS W. FLOOD. 



HISTORY OF SOITII BOSTON. 



507 



THOMAS \y. FLOOD, contractor, of the 
Hub Construction Co., prominent in politi- 
cal affairs of the district and particularly 
Ward 14, was born in Ireland, Nov. 7, 1857, and 
came to this country when eleven years of age. 
He received the rudiments of an education in 
the national schools of his native place. Arriving 
in New York in 1S6S, he worked in the Loomis 
buw-mill. Twelve hours a day he labored and 
spent the evening in studying. In 1870 he came 
to Boston, making his home in South Boston, 
and has been a resident of the peninsula district 
ever since. For four years he worked for 
Thomas Johnson, grocery and provision dealer, 
corner of I Street and Broadway, collecting and 
delivering orders, and, in 1874, when the business 
changed hands, he continued in the employ of 
Daniel A. Noonan. During this period, also, 
he gave of his time to reading and studying and, 
when but a youth, long before reaching bis 
majority, he manifested an interest in political 
affairs. 

In 1884 Mr. Flood secured a position as clerk 
in the office of Superintendent of Streets, 
Michael Meehan, and remained there until 1889, 
when he was removed by Mayor Hart for 
political reasons, having been advanced to the 
position of chief clerk. For a few months Mr. 
Flood, then, was in the employ of H. Gore& Co., 
as foreman, and relinquished it only when he 
became a candidate for the Board of Aldermen in 
the fall of 18S9. Wards 14 and 15 were then 
largely Republican. Mr. Flood received the Dem- 
ocratic nomination and in a three-cornered fight, 
with Alderman Samuel Kelly, the Republican 
nominee, and Hon. Charles J. Noyes,an Indepen- 
dant candidate, Mr. Flood was elected by 135 
votes. From his very entrance into political office 
Alderman Flood has been a vigorous worker 
and ever thoughtful of ihe needs of his district. 

In the fall of 1S90 he was re-elected by a 
majority close on to 1300, and during the follow- 
ing year continued his excellent work. He was 
also re-elected for the terms of 1S92 and 1893, 
but in the fall of the latter year, nominations 
being made by delegate votes in a convention, 
bv representatives from every district in the 
city, he failed to secure a nomination in the 
convention. He, however, ran as an Independ- 
ent Citizens' candidate, and, throughout the 
city, received more than 22.000 votes, the vote 
of the lowest successful candidate being 26,000 



in a field of 25 candidates. The following 
year, however, he was nominated unanimously in 
the convention, led the entire ticket on election 
day, and served in the board of 1895. 

At the opening of Mayor (^lincy's administra- 
tion, in 1896, the chief executive, recognizing 
Mr. Flood's experience and ability, appointed 
him to the important position of commissioner 
of wires, which he filled very satisfactorily and 
until 1900, when Mayor Hart went into office 
and decapitated the Democrats. Since then he 
has not held public office, but has been a lender 
of his party and recognized throughout the city 
as an active party worker. 

No public official, representing South Boston, 
has ever had a larger or more sincere circle of 
friends, than has Mr. Flood. During his entire 
career, as an alderman and as wire commis- 
sioner, he was ever honorable in all transactions, 
an earnest student on matters of municipal 
government, and e\er conscientious in all 
promises that he made. In the fall of 1892, the 
leading business men of the district, irrespective 
of partv affiliations, endorsed his candidacy for 
re-election, and Republicans as well as Demo- 
crats, worked unceasingly in his interest. As 
an alderman, representing South Boston, he 
did much in securing for his district a fair 
share of the annual appropriations. He was a 
hard worker, during his first term, for the 
securing of an appropriation for the L Street 
Bridge, and was always interested in the 
Strandway and Marine Park, insisted on the 
proper care of Thomas Park, and was watchful 
for the good condition and care of the thorough- 
fares. As wire commissioner he did excellent 
service and retired with a splendid record of 
work done in that new and difficult department. 

Mr. Flood is a member of Winthrop Council, 
Royal Arcanum ; Mt. Washington Lodge 115, 
A. O. U. W.; South Boston Conclave, I. O. H.; 
South Boston Council K. of C; South Boston 
Citizens' Association: Mattapannock Club of 
Ward 14; City Point Catholic Association; 
Division 13, A. O. H.; Mosquito Fleet Yacht 
Club; Young Men's Catholic Association 
of Boston College ; Boston Lodge 10, Benevolent 
and Protective Order of Elks; Ancient and 
Honorable Artillery Company, Bay State Riding 
and Driving Club of Watertown. He is married, 
has one daughter, Mary Flood, and lives at 600 
East Fourth Street. 



5o8 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




H^^Xv " "^S ''^H-^^'^'^^.''"'^^''^"?,''"'"^^'^"'"" °" O'^ "^--b"'- Street, South Boston. 

^I«> -I; iS.i. H,s parents were W.lham and Emily Gallagher, who had moved from 

Dorchester about 1647, his father being all his life a dealer in stoves and ranges, corner Tf 

B.oadwav and Dorchester Avenue. Charles first attended the Bigelow, then the Hawes and then 

the Lincoln School, and then, again, he attended the Bigelow 
School, graduating in 1865. In 1864, before he was 13 vears 
old he enlisted as a drummer bov in the ist Unattached 
Co. Mass. Infantry, known as the Lincoln Guards, and served 
tour months. After the war he joined the loth Massachusetts 
afterward known as the ist Massachusetts, Volunteer Militia' 
After graduating from the Bigelow, he attended the English 
High School where he organized the first drum corps for any 
public school battalion. Prevented from entering Harvard 
owing to ill health, he entered mercantile life, working in 
the pine woods of Canada a year and a half, and, on his re- 
turn, continued his studies under a private tutor. In 1873 he 
took the first year's course in Harvard Law School then 
entered the office of Hon. Ambrose A. Ranney and continued 
his studies in the Boston University Law School from which 
he graduated, with the degree of LL.B., in 1S75, and was 
admitted to the bar the same vear, and to the United States 
Supreme Court in 1882. He received the degree of A M 
from Dartmouth College in 1S94. Since then he has con- 
tmued active practice. For 12 vears he was a member of the 
School Board, for four years president of the Board, was in 
tlie Senate in 1882 and twice refused the nomination for 
Congress. Prominent in Masonrv, he has been Grand Master 
a director of the (irand Lodge of Massachusetts and attained 
to the 33rd degree. He is a trustee of Boston Universitv is on 
of the Art Club -ind tl,. A,-f r • ^'^ e.xecutive council of the Boston Bar Association, president 

ri, r ^ <-'i'bandtbe Alt Commission, a member of the Exchange, Algonquin and Universitv 
Clubs, and numerous other societies. In 1S80 he married Nellie W. Allen oi SYi ate In 808 1 i 
removed to Roxbury, where he still resides with his wife and three children? '''''"'"'• ^" '^'-^^ '^^ 

H'^?o/nt^l^-1?'^'tSi^^^\v ^> a street commissioner of Boston, was born in South Boston, at the 
X^fJeS the \ .t. Y est Ihird Street, Oct. 22, 1866. of James and Marv Gallivan. He 

at^tended the Mather and graduated from the Lawrence School in 1870. from the Boston Latin 

School (with a F.anklin Medal) in 18S4, and from Harvard Universitv in S88 witl the de^^ree of 

A B. He was tor a time empioved in the city architect's ' meae^ieeor 

ofhce and later followed journalism, writing for manv of the 

leading Boston papers and securing a high Veputation in the 

newspaper world. Ever interested in poliiics and affiliating 

himself with the Democratic affairs of Ward 13. he was 

elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for 

1895 and 1896, in the Senate of 1S97 and 189S, and in the fall 

of 1900, after a warm contest, he was elected one of the street 

commissioners of Boston for three vears. 

As a legislator, Mr. Gallivan was ever prominent in debate 

and was identified with numerous measures of particular im- 
portance to his constituency. When Federal Street was 

abolished to make way for the" new South Terminal Station, 

Representative Gallivan introduced the famous billforaCove 

Street Bridge and extension of the street, and did much to 

secure its passage against tremendous opposition of this 

great corporation. He also introduced measures for the 

heating of street cars and the establishment of the sanitarium 

at Rutland, which institution has saved the lives of 

thousands of men and women of Massachusetts alHicted with 

incipient tuberculosis, by a system unequalled anvwhere in 

the world, and eminently successful. 

Commissioner (Jallivan is captain and aide-de-camp on the 

staff of the Second Brigade, M. V. M., and a member of the 

Boston Athletic Association, the Athletic Association of 

Harvard Graduates, South Boston Council Knights of 
Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Old Guard of Massachusetts, Ancient Order of Hibernians 
and theShawmut Rowing Club. In 1S9S he married Miss Louise A. Burke, has one child, and 
now resides at ^S3, West Fourth Street. 




HISTORY OF SOI Til BOSTON. 



509 



DR. WILLIAM J- GALLIVAN, physician, incmher of the Boston School Board and prom- 
inent in educational circles, was born in Boston, Feb. 2. 1865. of James and Marv Gallivan. and 
came, with them, to South Boston, when quite young. He attended the Lawrence Cirammar 
School on B Street, graduating in 1S79, then from the Boston Latin School in 1S84. from Harvard 
l'ni\ersity. with the degree of A. B., in 1888, and from the 
Harvard Medical School, with the degree of M. D., in 1892, 
and immediately began practicing in South Boston. 

No grander or nobler work was ever conceived by any mem- 
ber of his profession, than that of 1S95, when, through his 
efforts, in securing valuable facts and information, and proving 
the necessitv of such, a bill introduced into the Legislature 
by his brother, James A. (jallivan, for the sanitarium in 
Rutland, was passed, and sufterers from tuberculosis have 
since received much benefit and ninuerous cures have resulted. 
The hundreds of cases treated in that institution and the 
scores of permanent cures effected bear evidence of the im- 
mense value of the sanitarium, the idea of Dr. Gallivan. 

A warm supporter of Boston's public schools and interested 
in educational matters, he was elected to the School Board in 
the fall of 1894. and, twice re-elected, each time for three 
years, he has served ever since. His present term expires at 
the close of 1903. Prominent and vigorous in debate and 
with an extensive knowledge of the needs of the public 
schools, he soon was foremost among the members in in- 
fluence, and was president of the board in 1900 and 1901. 
Through his personal efforts the local high school was 
pushed to completion. He also rendered valuable assistance 
in securing a portion of the Bowdoin and Gibson fluids for 
the schools of South Boston. He is a member of the Massa- 
chusetts Medical Society, Columbia "^'acht Club, Mosquito 

Fleet Yacht Club, Charitable Irish Society, and the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters. 
In 1S94 he was married to Miss Charlotte Gilfether, and has a daughter, Agnes, and a son, William 
]. Gallivan. Jr. He resides at 743 East Broadway. 




JOSEPH C. GALLIVAN, undertaker, son of 
James and Mary Gallivan, was born October 
"21, 1877, in South Boston. He attended the 
Lawrence School, from which he graduated and 
then entered the 
Boston I^atin 
School. Later he 
studied pharmacy 
and was in the em- 
ploy of D. J. Kiley 
and C A. Curtis at 
different t i m es . 
Later he took a 
course at the 
Massachusetts Col- 
lege of Embalming, 
entering his pi-esent 
business April 8, 
1S96, at 359 West 
B road way . Mr. 
(jallivan married 
Miss Nellie Teresa 
Fitzgerald. October 
25, 1899. Thev have two daughters. Mary and 
Anna, and reside at 466 East Seventh St. Mr. 
Gallivan is past chief ranger of St. MichaeTs 
Court No. 70. M. C. O. F. and Our Lady of the 
Rosary Court 1034, C. O. F., past vice-pres- 
ident Acme Branch, C. K. A. and is deputy 
high chief ranger, M. C. O. F. He is a member 
of Trimount Conclave 1. O. H., Division 32, 
A. O, IL, St. Augustine's C. T. A. Society 
and the Massachusetts Embalmers Association. 




DR.THOMASJ.GIBLIN was horn in Lowell, 
Mass.. Dec. 10, 1S61. His parents were 
John H. and Mary A. (Hardiman) (Jiblin. 
lie removed to South Boston where he attended 
the Lawrence anil 
Lincoln Grammar 
Schools, Boston 
College, and the 
Mass." Institute of 
Technology a n d 
graduated from the 
Harvard Dental 
School. In 1SS5 he 
opened an oflice at 
491 East Broadway, 
and has since been 
located here. He 
has been identified 
with leading organ- 
izations and was 
one of the organ- 
izers of the City 
Point Catholic 

Association, and the Mt. Washington Co-Oper- 
ative Bank, of whicii he is president. He is 
president of the Holliston Harness Co. and a 
member of the St. \'incent de Paul Conference, 
South Boston Council, K. CM. C. O. F., Mass. 
Dental Society and the Odontological Society, 
and the N. E. Cath. Historical Society. He mar- 
ried Miss Mary E. O'Connor, has six children, 
Catherine. John. Thomas, Mary. Louise and Con- 
stance and lives at 37 May field St., Dorchester. 





DR. MICHAEL F. (lAVlN. 



HISTORY OF SOrTH BOSTON. 



5I' 



■pjR. MICHAEL F. GAVIX. physician and 
^"^ surgeon, of 546 East Broadway, although 
not a nativ^e of this district, has been a resident 
here for many years and is one of its best known 
residents to-day. 

He was born in Roscommon, Ireland, in May, 
1845, and received his early education there un- 
der private tutorage, until he came to the I'nited 
States in 1S57. 

On coming to this country he first took up 
his residence in the city proper residing there 
for some time. He immediately resumed his 
studies which were continued in the old Boyl- 
ston Grammar School and under private tutors 
as well. Early in life he showed a great apti- 
tude for the study of medicine, which was 
strengthened with increased study. Accordingly. 
his studies tended in this direction, and he 
finally fitted himself for the thorough stud\ of 
this profession. 

After taking a preparator\- course and nuc- 
cessfully passing the examination, he passed 
the entrance examinations for Harvard Medical 
School successfully and then took the entire 
course there, finally graduating from that insti- 
tution in 1S64 with his degree of M.D. He im- 
mediately entered the Boston City Hospital 
where he became senior resident physician. 
He remained with this institution about a 3 ear. 
onlv then giving up his position to go to the 
front for the Union. 

He enlisted with the Fifty-Seventh Regiment, 
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia in 1S65, having 
received an appointment as assistant siu-geon. 
He remained with his regiment until it was 
mustered out at the close of the war and then 
returned to his home in Boston. He did not 
remain long, however, for desiring to still con- 
tinue the study of his chosen profession and 
further fit himself for it he went to Europe. 

The main object of his visit abroad \\a> to 
make a thorough study of si.n\gerv :ind Nurgical 
methods, and with this object in \ lew lie first 
went to Ireland. There he entered the Royal 
College of Surgeons and after a year's study 
there received his diploma from that institution 
in 1866. Shortly after that he went to Paris and 
there entered the School of Medicine, where he 
took the post-graduate course. 

This concluded he became affiliated with 
several of the hospitals of that city and con- 
tinued his studies in these places remaining in 
Paris until 186S, when he concluded his studies 



abroad and sailed for home. Arriving in Bos- 
ton again he took up his residence on Harrison 
Avenue, where he immediately began active 
practice. 

Shortly after his arrival he was appointed 
visiting surgeon to the out-patient department 
of the Boston City Hospital, which position 
he held for several years. About a vear after 
his appointment he moved to South Boston, 
first taking up his residence at No. 11 West 
Broadway, and soon became one of the best 
known physicians in the district. 

In November, 1S76, he married Miss Ellen 
Theresa Dolierty of New York and thev re- 
turned to South Boston to reside. Shortlv 
after, he moved to 99 West Broadway where they 
lived for several years, moving to their present 
home, 546 East Broadway, in 18S7. Their resi- 
dence, the old Souther estate, is one the finest 
in South Boston, not alone in construction but 
in location as well, being situated on the apex of 
Mt. Washington. From it an excellent view of 
Boston. Bostf)n Harbor, the Blue Hills and manv 
other places of interest can be had- Thev have 
two children. Basil and Miss Hilda Gavin. 
Since 1S80, Dr. Gavin has been visiting surgeon 
to the Carney Hospital, and also consulting 
surgeon to St. Elizabeth's Hospital. He has 
been visiting surgeon to the Boston Citv 
Hospital since 1SS6. and from 1888 to 1891 he 
was professor of clinical surgery at the Boston 
Polyclinic. From 1S78 to 1884 he was a trustee 
of the Boston City Hospital. 

On several occasions Dr. (Ja\in has con- 
tributed to magazines and medical papers both 
at home and abroad, scientific treatise on various 
subjects pertaining to his profession. Notable 
among these was an article that appeared in 
the Dublin Medical Press on "The Treatment 
of Burns."" Another and one that attracted 
widespread notice at the time, appeared in 
Appleton"s Weekly under the title, " Compara- 
tive Statistics of Suicide." 

Among the medical societies with which he 
is affiliated are the Boston Society for Medical 
Improvement, Massachusetts Medical Society, 
Boston Society for Medical Observation, Am- 
erican Medical Association, British Medical 
Association, and the Royal College of Sur- 
geons. He is also a member of the Papyrus^ 
Club and is a director of the Mattapan 
Deposit and Trust Company. 



512 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



T^R. PAlRICk F. GAVIX, physician, at 331 West Broadway, was born in Roscommon. Ireland 

-L^ in 1844, and is a son of John and Marv (Freebern) Gavin. "He attended the Classical School in 

Roscommon and in 1863 he came to the L'nited States with his parents and thev took up their 

residence in South Boston where he resumed his studies. He entered Harvard Medical School in 

1867. finishing the course in 1S70, at which time he received 
his degree of INI. D. He then took an examination for assist- 
ant as interne at the Boston City Hospital, was appointed, 
and served diu-ing 1S71. 

He then returned to his birthplace where he pursued the 

study of surgery for a period of sixteen months under Dr. 

.. ,-mm^- \ Peyton. He next attended King and Qiieen's College of 

M^ \ Physicians and Surgeons in Dublin, which is affiliated with 

^K ; Trinity College. At the end of his course there he received 

jj^K j^t^ degrees in medicine and obstetrics. 

^P ■ jSUt ^^ Finishing his course in the college, he then entered Sir 

William Wildes Eye and Ear Hospital, and after considerable 
ser\ ice there, he then attended Madame Stephen's Hospital, 
and later did service in Meath Hospital, all of which are 
situated in Dublin. 

He went from Dublin to Yorkshire. England, and from 
there to Devonshire, spending two and one half years at these 
places, during which time he continued his" studies and 
practiced quite extensively. He then returned to South 
Boston, taking up his residence at 331 West Broadway, with 
his office at the same location, and he has practiced there 
since then. 

Dr. Gavin, besides being medical examiner for numerous 

organizations, is a member of the Charitable Irish Society, 

the American Irish Historical Society, l'nited Irish League, 

Division 57, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and other societies. 

He married Miss Mary Josephine Harding in 1SS3, and they have seven children. Marie. Agnes, 

Olivia, Gerald, Edmund, Frances and Constance. Dr. Gavi'n. during his long residence in South 

Boston, has taken considerable interest in its welfare and is numbered among Us leading residents. 




T^AVIDJ. GLEASOX was born in South 
-L' Boston, July 14, iS64.of Bartholomew and 
Hannah Gleason, and was educated in the 
Lincoln Grammar School. For many vears he 
followed the trade 
of machinist, being 
employed at the 
W^ahvorth Manu- 
f ac t u r i n g Co.'s 
works on East First 
Street, and later in 
the employ of his 
brother, James F. 
Gleason. Affiliated 
with several young 
men's clubs and 
identified with poli- 
tics in Ward 14, he 
was elected to the 
House of Repre- 
sentatives for iSyS, 
re-elected for 1900, 
serving on the 
committee on fisheries and game in the former 
year, and the committee on water supply in the 
latter. In 1901 he was again a candidate and 
served in the General Court for 1902, on the 
committee on harbors and public lands. He is 
a member of Trimount Conclave, I. O. H., 
Division 13, A. O. H., the Wickett Associates 
and the Mattapannock Club of Ward 14. He 
was six years on the Ward Committee. He lives 
at 865 West Broadway. 




T.VMES F. GLEASOX, was born in Boston, 
J August S. 1862, of Bartholomew and Hannah 
Gleason, and was educated in the public 
schools of South Boston. In 1S81. after the 
death of his father, 
he continued the 
1 a t t e r ' s grocery 
business on Dor- 
chester Street for 
many years, a n d 
successfully c a r e A 
for a large family. 
He was for many 
years an enthusias- 
tic worker in the 
Democratic ranks 
and was rewarded 
by his party in 1892, 
by election to the 
Massachusetts 
House of Repre- 
sentatives for 1893, 
during which year 
he served on the committee on fisheries and 
game, and, re-elected for 1894, he served on the 
same committee. He has continued a loval partv 
worker. He was at one time chief ranger of St". 
James Court, Massachusetts Catholic Order of 
Foresters, of which he is vet a member, Farragut 
Lodge 165, Ancient Order of United Workmen, 
the Tammany Associates of Ward 14 and several 
social clubs of the district. He lives at 86:; East 
Broadway. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



5^3 



CAPTAIN ELIJAH II. GOODWIN, retired, is one of the best known of South Boston's citizens. 
He has enjoyed the distinction of having given long years of service to the tire department, 
and finally to the police department. He was born in Vineyard Haven, Mass., January 19, 1820, 
and ten years later, with his parents, removed to Scituate, where he attended school un'iil he was 
fourteen years of age. For five years he worked in the store 
of Jenkins it Webb, and then went to Boston where he sliipped 
on the "^Ira'v," a ship of 600 tons, the largest vessel then 
sailing out of Boston. He sailed to Mobile, and then with 
a load of cotton started for Liverpool, and on this vovage the 
crew of the ship, comprising eight different nationalities, 
mutinied. The ship was burned to the water's edge, the 
crew saved, and returned to Mobile. August 5, 1839, young 
Goodwin came to South Boston and learned the trade of ship 
joiner. March i, 1S41, he joined the fire department, becoming 
a member of Mazeppa Company No. 17, and later was 
advanced to clerk, assistant foreman and foreman. In 1854 
he resigned, owing to ill health, but in 1857 he joined S. R. 
Spinney Company No. 2, remaining until i86i, long after 
the introduction of the steam fire engines. Captain Goodwin 
recalls the experiences of the old South Boston engine com- 
panies, and has a vivid recollection of old South Boston, (^n 
resigning from the fire department he joined the police 
department, the date being March, 1S61, and was detailed to 
Station 5 as a patrolman. April i, 1863, he was promoted 
to lieutenant, was assigned to the Harbor Police, (Station 8) 
and in August, 1869, at his own request, was transferred to 
Station 10, where he remained until appointed captain, Ma}' 
ij, 1S74. and assigned to Station 12, South Boston, remaining 
until his retirement, January 5, 1893. The Boston Police 
Department has never had a inore honorable nor conscientious 
otflcial than Captain Goodwin, ever faithful in the performance of duty and refiecting credit on 
the department. In 1849 he married ]Sliss Emeline Simpson who died in 1893. He has a son and 
a daughter, Frank S. Goodwin and Mrs. M. L. Pierce. He lives at 196 K Street. 




CAPT. ELDRED C. GLAWSON, who. from 
1897 to 1900, was in charge of the 
City Point Life Saving Station, is well 
known in South Boston, particularly among 
the yachtsmen who 
_, frequent Dorches- 
ter and Pleasure 
Bays. Capt Glaw- 
son was born in 
Beverly, Mass.. and 
received his educa- 
tion in the town 
of his birth. After 
finishing his studies 
he tried various 
branches of trade, 
but his natural 
trend appeared to 
be the sea, and he 
entered the revenue 
cutter service of the 
United States Gov- 
ernment. He re- 
mained in the service for some time and was 
later connected with the lighthouse depart- 
ment. He then took the examination for the 
life saving service and, passing successfully, was 
appointed in 1S96. Shortly afterward he was 
selected to captain the City Point Station 
and his record there was a most remarkable 
one, six persons being rescued in 1897, 19 in 
1898 and 33 in 1899. He resigned in 1900. He 
is now master of a private steam yacht. 




THOMAS R. GRIMES, druggist and apothe- 
cary, was born in South Boston. April 11, 
1852, of Thomas and Ann Grimes. FHs 
father was one of the oldest residents of the 
district and died 
over ICO years old. 
Young T h o m a s 
attended the Ilawes 
School, then the 
Lincoln School, 
and finally Boston 
College. I n 1869 
he entered the em- 
ploy of Michael II. 
G 1 e a s o n , 112 i 
Washington Street, 
the leading Boston 
druggist of that 
time, and there he 
remained until iS8u 
thoroughly learn- 
ing the "business, 
in all its branches, 
and otherwise advancing himself still further in 
the studv of pharmacy. In 1880 he went into 
business' for himself a"t the corner of Fourth St. 
and Dorchester Avenue, afterward removing to 
the corner of C Street and Broadway, and, in 1895, 
removed to his present location, corner of L and 
East Fourth Streets. He married .Margaret H. 
O'Connor and had five children, of whom 
Thomas P., Anna C. and Robert A. Grimes are 
still living. He lives at728 E. Fourth St. 




5^4 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



HON. FREDERICK S. GORE, contractor, and prominent in political circles of the city, was 
born in South Boston, in old Ward 15, April 15, 1862. He attended the local primary and 
then entered the Bigelow Grammar School from which he was graduated. 
In 1886 he went into the contracting business with the lirm of Fred S. Gore & Co., and in 

1S92 he entered a partnership in the firm known as H. Gore 
i^ Co., contractors, which concern he is now connected with, 
their otTices being located at 45 Kilby Street. 

For many years he was interested in Democratic politics 
and in 1892 represented Ward 15 in the Common Council, 
serving on many prominent committees and ever taking an 
active part in debate and interesting himself in affairs for the 
good of his district and the general welfare of the citv. With 
the redistricting of the city in 1S95, Ward 15 was divided and 
Mr. Gore found himself in the new Ward 16 and there he was 
the Democratic leader for three years and until 1898 when he 
moved to Ward 24, Dorchester, his present residence. 
During the famous congressional campaigns of the early '90s, 
in the 10th District, Mr. Gore was treasurer of the district 
committee and prominently identified with the campaigns of 
Hon. William S. McNary, and in 1S98 he was chairman of the 
district committee in the campaign of Hon. Henrv F. Naphen 
for Congress. In the fall of 1902 he was urged to enter the 
field as a candidate for the Senate in the Seventh District, 
comprising Wards 16. 20 and 24. and, although it is a Repub- 
lican district, his popularity was well attested by his election 
with a splendid majority. In the Senate of 1903 he performed 
particularly meritorious work as a member of the special 
committee on coal investigation. He was a delegate to the 
National Convention of 1S96. Mr. Gore married Miss 
Cynthia Geddes and thev have one child. Mr. Gore is a 
member of the Heptasophs. Ancient Order of I'nited Workmen, independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
St. Omer Commandery of Knights Templars, Columbia ^'acht Club, Beverly Yacht Club and the 
Dorchester Driving Club. He lives at 1016 Adams Street, Lower Mills. 




JOHN HAGERTY, milk dealer, has the distinction of being one of the first to enter the business 
in South I>oston and is, at the present time, the oldest in this occupation in this district. 

Mr. Hagerty was born in St. John, Newfoundland, 1844, and is a son of David and Abegail 
(Olden) Hagerty. In his native place he spent his early life and received his early education. 
His father, who was an architect and builder, was well 
known in St. John where he carried on quite an extensive 
business. In 1853, however, the senior Hagerty concluded to 
come to the United States, which he did, settling in Boston, 
and here his son's education was continued until the death of 
the father, a short time after, which compelled the cessation 
of his studies. 

Shortly after this Mr. Hagerty secured a position with the 
well known firm of W^hittemore, Rowell, milk contractors 
and dealers in milk, and who in later years were the origin- 
ators of what is now the C. Brigham Milk Company. He 
worked for this concern for several years, and. through his 
thrift and industry, saved sufficient cash to establish a small 
business of his own, which he entered vipon in 1S61, at the 
age of 17 years, and he soon increased his trade to a remark- 
able extent. 

Three years later he moved to South Boston, first residing 
at 601 East Seventh Street and, shortly afterward, he moved 
to his present residence 726 East Eighth Street where he has 
since resided. P^-om the time he became of age, he has been 
y(^ry much interested in politics and is well known in the Dem- 
ocratic ranks, being one of its staunch supporters. He has 
Participated in many exciting campaigns, a loyal follower of 
onest politics, and a true friend of loyal candidates. He 
•crvedonthe DemocraticWard Committee of Ward 14. in 1899. 

Mr. Hagerty, in his long career, has given a start to manv 
joung men in the milk business. He is a member of Division 74, Ancient Order of Hibernians 
and the City Point Catholic Association and was formerly a member of the St. Vincent de Paul 
Conference of the Gate of Heaven Church. 




HISTORY OF SOLTH BOSTON. 



515 



TIMOTHY HANNON, deceased, contractor, 
was born in Bantry, on the river Lee, Ire., 
in 1S19, moving to South Boston in 1845, 
after his marriage. ^Ir. Hannon was prominent 
in the district, particularly at that period in her 
history when the formation of South Boston 
was in progress, and it was largely through his 
efforts and zealous work that the formation took 
place, resulting in the present beautiful section. 
Mr. Hannon's'specialty was street work, laying 
out and grading. 

During the "busiest period of his life, Mr. 
Hannon was the leading contractor in this line 
of work in Boston. His headquarters were on 
West First near E Street, and extended nearly 
to F Street. At the corner of E Street was the 
wheelwright shop, and next to that the black- 
smith shop. Mr. Hannon built his own teams, 
made many of his own tools, and directed his en- 
tire force of men, which, at times, numbered 300. 
During a season when the rolling mill, which 
•was the source of revenue for many South 
Boston workmen, closed down, Mr. Hannon 




devoted to the interests and up-building of South 
Boston, philanthropic and generous in the ex- 
treme, courteous and kind, in fact a splendid 
specimen of a gentleman, and his death, in 1891, 
caused much sorrow throughout the district, es- 
pecially to the older residents who knew him best. 
FRANK J. HANNON, son of Timothy 
Hannon, was born in South Boston, attended the 
primary and later the Bigelow School. He at- 
tended" Our Lady of the Angels Seminary at 
Niagara Falls, intending to study for the priest- 
hood, but his inherent "love for 'active business 
life led to his giving up his studies in this 
direction. He first engaged in the dry goods 
business, and then branched out in the teaming 
and excavating line. He is now one of the 
largest contractors in this branch of work in 
Boston. Early in his business career, he was 
engaged in excavating for the new building of 
the Perkins Institution for the Blind, corner of 
H and East Fourth Streets, and in this work he 
used the first steam shovel in Boston. Like 
unto his father's work of a score of years before, 



TIMOTHY HANNON. 

employed a majority of the men until the mill 
had reopened. He had more than jog horses 
and his entire business represented a most com- 
plete svstem in perfect running order. 

Wav back in the fifties Mr. Hannon helped 
cut down old Fort Hill, in Boston. Shortly 
afterward he commenced the work of cutting 
down the old hills on East Fourth Street in the 
vicinity of H Street. Also in the fifties he was 
eno-ao'ed in the big contract of cutting away the 
City Lands, and laying out that portion of East 
First, Second and Third Streets, east of L 
Street : he graded and laid out the streets there 
and helped lay out Independence Square. In 
the Bav View section his was the contract to cut 
through East Eighth Street, he graded a large 
portion of Broadway and later cut through what 
is now the Broadway Extension. He had all the 
city contracts and helped fill in the Back Bay. 
Mr. Hannon erected and lived in a handsome 
residence at 333 West Second Street which was 
beautifully laid out with walks and arbors, and 
surrounded by a magnificent garden. He was 




FRANK J. HANNON. 

Mr. Hannon removed the remnant of the old 
Indian hill, corner of I and East Fourth Streets, 
preparatorv to laving the foundation for the new 
Gate of Heaven Church. Among the public 
thoroughfares cut through and laid out by Mr. 
Hannon. mav be mentioned Storey Street, run- 
ning from G to H near East Sixth Street, and 
much of the material taken was used in filling 
Marine Park at Citv Point, and also the Strand- 
w-iv Among the "larger contracts executed by 
Mr. Hannon' have been the excavating for the 
Hotel Touraine, Masonic Temple, Colonial 
Theatre and the large Jordan Building, He 
has 80 horses and 42 teams, and stables on East 

First St. . /^ . • r- 

Mr Hannon married Miss Catherine (y. 
Donnellan, and has six children, Gertrude, 
Catherine, Mildred, Marian, Frank Jr. and 
Gerard. He is a member of the Knights of 
Columbus, Master Builders Association, South 
Boston Citizens' Association, and is a director 
of the Mt. Washington Co-operative Bank. He 
lives at 579 East Broadway. 



J, 6 



HISTORY OP^ SOUTH BOSTON. 




FRANK HALL, dealer in pianos and organs, 
was born at Port Lome, Annapolis Coun- 
ty, N. S., Avig. 22, 1870, of Albert J. 
and Lydia (Bent) Hall. In 1S80 he came to 
Boston, attending 
the Dudley School. 
Roxburv." After 
leaving" school he 
began the battle of 
life at the lowest 
round of the ladder. 
For a year he was 
engaged in the sel- 
ling of pianos and 
organs, and imtil 
1893, when he went 
into the 1 i v e r \' 
stable business on 
East 3rd St. In 
August. 1S94. he 
assumed control of 
the big establish- 
ment on BroadA\ay 
near K St. In the spring of 1903 he sold out 
the stable and returned to his old business of 
selling pianos and organs. Mr. Hall married 
Miss Mellissa G. Charlton, has had five children, 
of whom there are living Percy A., Warren F., 
Pryor W. and Frank C, and lives at 681 East 
Fourth St. He is a member of Hobah Lodge, 
I. O. O. F., Court Farragut, F. of A., Aid Asso., 
Citizen's Asso., Hope Commanderv, O. G. S., 
and the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club". 

/^LARENCE HALLETT. stationer and news- 
^•-^ dealer, w^as born in Yarmouthport, Mass.. 
in 1848. and attended school in his native 
place, continuing his studies in the Middle- 
b o r o -\ c a d e m ^- . 
After 1 e a ^■ i n g 
school he went in- 
to the piano busi- 
ness in Boston and. 
in 1884. established 
himself in his pres- 
ent business at 675 
Flast B r o a d w a v , 
which he has suc- 
cessfully managed 
up to the present 
time. For twelve 
years, and up to 
1902, he was pro- 
prietor of a similar 
establishment a t 
365 and 367 West 
Broadway, but this 
he relinquished in order to give his entire atten- 
tion to his business in the East Broadway es- 
tablishment. Here he keeps a complete line of 
stationery, fancy goods, books, periodicals and 
papers. He possesses considerable real estate 
in the peninsula district, and is an active mem- 
ber of the South Boston Citizens' Association, 
the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He lives 
at 568 East Broadway. 





WARREN F. HALL, engaged in the team- 
ing business, was born on Dorchester 
Street, South Boston, June 22, 1846. 
His parents were Leonard and Grace (Forrester) 
Hall, longtime res- 
idents of the dis- 
trict. He attended 
the old H awes 
School until the 
Lincoln School 
was established and 
he graduated from 
the latter. For a 
year after leaving 
school he worked 
for J. B. Glover, 
sugar brokers, then 
for Dexter Bros, 
and soon joined his 
father in the team- 
ing business to 
which he succeeded 
in 1875 and has 

continued it ever since, his office being now 
located at 57 South Market Street. Mr. Hall 
married Miss Henrietta Traf ton of South Boston 
and they live at 758 East Fourth Street. He is 
a member of St. Paul's Lodge F. & A. M., Unity 
Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Work- 
men, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co., 
National Lancers, Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club 
and is an a^-ociate member of I>ahlgren Post 2, 
G. A. R. -■ -J ju:E, ..7^ 

JOHN A'. HALEY, dealer in coal and wood, 
corner of East Ninth and Dunham Sts.. was 
born in Cambridge. Dec. 27, 1876, of John 
and Mary ( Doyle ^ Haley. He came to South 
Boston in 1885, at- 
tended the John A. 
Andrew School and 
graduated from the 
Hart School in 
1 89 1 and went to 
the English High 
School tANO years. 
In 1893 he went in- 
to the coal business 
with his father and, 
since the hitter's 
death in 1902. has 
continued it alone 
under the name of 
John Haley & Co. 
He is single a n d 
lives at 218 L St. 
M r . Haley is a 

member of St. James Court, Massachusetts Cath- 
olic Order of Foresters, of which he has been 
vice chief ranger, of Elm Hill Council 213. 
Knights of Columbus, of which he has been 
financial secretary and deputy grand knight. 
South Boston Speedway Association of which 
he is treasurer. Division 32, Ancient Order of 
Hibernians, St. Augustine's Catholic Total 
Abstinence Society and the Tammany Asso- 
ciates and other organizations. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



517 



EMERTAIN HATCH, real estate, has been 
• actively engaged in that Hnc for over 
thirtv years in South Boston. He was born 
Dec. 20, 1S46, in the town of Jefferson, Lincohi 
Co., Me., his father and mother. Lot M. and 
Lucy A. (Oliyer) Hatch, being natives of 
Nobleboro. Me., born before Maine became a 
state. His ancestors were English, the first of 
the family coming to Scituate, Mass., in 1634. 

Although his father owned a well stocked 
farm, he also frequently built, under contract, 
many two and three-masted schooners at Daniar- 
iscotta and other places, within six or eight 
miles of the farm. The subject of this sketch 
and his brothers carried on the farm, and in in- 
clement weather assisted their father in building 
and ironing their carts and 
farm tools in the home 
blacksmith and carpenter 
shops. E. Mertain attended 
the town schools, winters, 
but not liking the all work 
and no play plan, at the age 
of 13 he struck out for him- 
self. When 16 3'ears old he 
went to Lowell, Mass., and 
engaged to learn the mach- 
inist trade at what was then 
called '-the big machine 
shop," where for two years, 
with his school books near 
him. he worked at his trade. 
After that he returned to 
Maine, fitting for Bowdoin 
College at Lincoln Acad- 
emy, teaching school during 
the winters of 1867, i868 
and iS6y. In 1869 he taught 
in Southport, Me., what 

was then the largest and most difficult school 
in the county, and succosfully finished his 
term, a result that no teacher had previously 
accomplished for more than five years. 

Owing to the failure in investments which 
left him in debt, the college course was pre- 
vented. Declining assistance of the principal 
of the Academy, who kindly offered financial 
aid. in pursuing his studies, and refusing to bor- 
row and thereby increase his indebtedness, he 
returned to Massachusetts in 1870, and entered 
the employ of his brothers, H. N. and M. L. 
Hatch, who carried on the stove and plumbing 
business in South Boston, taking charge of the 
store. After six years' struggle the Maine debts 




E. MERTAIN HATCH 



were settled cent for cent, and in 1879 he 
bought the building where he is yet located, 
and entered the real estate business. 

Politics was always of interest to Mr. Hatch, 
and. in the carl_v seventies, he became a member 
and was elected chairman of the Republican 
Committee of his ward, which position he still 
holds, having served his party 23 years. He 
probably did more than any other man to send 
the Blaine delegates to the Republican National 
Convention of 1884, declining the honor of 
going himself, and had always been a Blaine 
man. recalling with pleasure how Mr. Blaine, in 
the campaign of 1868, called and dined at the 
old farm. 

I'rom 18S4 to 189S, he was connected, for 
most of the time, with the 
Assessor's Department of 
the City of Boston, and for 
three and one half years of 
that time he was a member 
of the Board of Principal 
Assessors. In 1888, he was 
one of the Republican 
Piesidenlial l^lectors. poll- 
ing 183,887 votes, five less 
than the highest. He was 
a member of the Republican 
State Committee in 1893 
and 1S94. 

Socially Mr. Hatch is a 
Mason, belonging to the Mt. 
Lebanon Lodge of F. & A. 
M. of Boston, St. Andrew's 
Roval Arch Chapter, Boston 
Commandery of Knights 
Templars and Boston Con- 
sistory of S. P. R. S., 32°, 
being a life member in all 
Masonic bodies, and is also a member of Aleppo 
Temple, Mystic Shrine. 

Mr. Hatch is the fifth in a family of twelve: 
Myrick L. Hatch, Concord, Mass., Mrs. Melissa 
S."(Hatch) Hilton, Jefterson, Me., Willard O. 
Hatch. California, Horace N. Hatch. South 
Boston, Mass., Llewellyn N. Hatch, Maiden, 
Mass., Mrs. Jennie L. (Hatch) Johnson, South 
Boston. Mass., John M. Hatch, Pawtucket, R. L, 
Francis K. Hatch, Jefferson, Me., Mrs. Arlettie 
E. (Hatch) Smith, So. Boston, Ovando Hatch, 
Jefferson, Me., Mrs. Hattie E. (Hatch) Eng- 
lish, HvdePark, Mass. Of these Llewellyn N. 
Hatch. John M. Hatch, and Ovando Hatch are 
deceased. 



5i8 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



DR. EDWARD T. HARRINGTON, veter- 
inary surgeon, was born in Boston, July 2, 
1S69. From his youth a resident of South 
Boston, he first attended the Tuckerman 
Primary School, 
graduating from 
the Lincoln Gram- 
mar School in 
1S83. the English 
High School in 
I 8 86 , Veterinary 
Department of Har- 
vard in 1890, and 
since then has fol- 
lowed his p r o - 
fession in South 
Boston, conducting 
a large practice. 
Dr. Harrington is 
married and lives at 
873 East Broadway. 
He is secretary- 
treasurer of the 
Massachusetts Veterinary Association and a 
member of the Catholic Union. Knights of 
Columbus, Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, Boylston 
School Association, South Boston Citizen's 
Association, Massachusetts Veterinary Associa- 
tion and the American Veterinary Medical 
Association. As a resident of South Boston 
Dr. Harrington is public spirited, interested in 
the welfare of the district and one of her most 
loval advocates. 




JOHN J. HARTNETT, proprietor of Wave 
Cottage, S35 East 6th St., born in County 
Limerick, Ire., Nov. 22, 1869, of John L. 
and Catherine M. Hartnett, was educated in the 
National School 
and afterward St. 
Michael's College, 
Limerick, taking a 
two years' course. 
After leaving col- 
lege he was en- 
gaged in the di"\' 
goods business in 
his native city, and, 
in September, 1887, 
when he came to 
South Boston, he 
went into the 
liquor business, and 
later, for many 
years, he was man- 
ager for the Wave 
Cottage, the famous 

seaside resort at City Point, of which he became 
proprietor in 1902. Mr. Hartnett, in 1S97, mar- 
ried Miss Alice Graham, who died the year 
following. He has been prominent in Ward 14 
politics, was chosen caucus warden for 1901 and 
he is a member of the Columbia Yacht Club, 
Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, Div. 74, Ancient 
Order of Hibernians, Tammany Associates and 
the Mattapannock Club of W^ard 14. He lives 
at 545 East Third Street. 




"X^riLLIAM J. HIGGINS, importer and dealer in bottled goods and family groceries, is a 

* » native of Pottsville, Penn., where he was born Nov. 24, 1S47. He attended the public schools 

of that place for a few years and at an early age went to work in the coal mines in various 

places throughout that state, and until he was eighteen years of age. In 1866, having moved to 

Cambridge, Mass., he entered the employ of John Reardon & 
Sons. He remained at this work but a short time and then 
served his time in the American Steam Safe Company, and 
until 1S75. In 1870 he became a resident of South Boston, 
and, after leaving the employ of the American Steam Safe 
Company, he went to work for the South Boston Iron Co., 
remaining there but two years. 

In 1877 he started in the liquor business on West Broadway 
near D Street. Three years later he removed his business to 
the corner of I Street and East Broadway, giving up the 
place on Broadway. Under the firm name of William J. 
Higgins & Co., he has conducted the business corner of 
Broadway and I Street for many years. 

Ever interested in local affairs, Mr. Higgins has been, for 
many years, a member of the leading organizations of the 
distiict and is now interested, as an active member, in the 
Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, Robert Fulton Council of the 
Knights of Columbus, Division 47, Ancient Order of 
Hibernians, of the South Boston Yacht Club (since 1SS4) 
and of the South Boston Citizen's Association. Mr. Higgins 
was organizer and president of the City Point Rowing Club 
and was champion oarsman for many years, and in 1875 and 
1876 took first prizes in the Fourth of July races. In 1S7S 
he married Miss Elizabeth O'Brien and has four sons and 
four daughters, John E., William P., Mary, Francis, 
^largaret, Alice, Ruth and Thomas. Mrs. Higgins died in 

1S97. Mr. Higgins and family reside in the liandsome mansion, 935 East Broadway, formerly 

the Benjamin Dean estate. He is a thorough business man, an exemplary citizen and is devoted to 

the interests and welfare of South Boston. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



519 




WILLIAM E. RICKEY, fruit dealer, was 
born in South Boston, Dec. 29, 1870, of 
Cornelius and Katherine Ilickey. He at- 
tended the John A. Andrew School until he 
was about 14 years 
of age, and for a 
year afterward 
worked in the law 
ollice of Judge 
Fallon, now of the 
South Boston 
Court. He then 
worked in the roll- 
ing mill of the 
Norway Iron 
Works, after which 
he drove hack for 
two vears for John 
Qiiinn, and then 
entered the fruit 
business for him- 
self, doing well at 
this for several 
years. Even before attaining his majority he 
took an interest in politics in Ward 15, and in 
the fall of 1900 was elected to the Common 
Council, and a year later was re-elected secur- 
ing the nomination second in a field of seven. 
During his first year he served on the importan 
committees of police, park, claims, Fourth ol 
July, Decoration Dav. Memorial Day, Evacua- 
tion Day, water department, ordinances and law 
department. He resides at 11 Lark Street. 

CAPT HENRY T. HUTCHINGS, deceased. 
March i, 1902, one of the most highly es- 
teemed yachtsmen of the district, one ot 
its pioneer builders of yachts, was born in 
Portsmouth, N. 11.. 
April 5 , 1837. 
While living with 
an uncle at Kittery, 
who was a boat 
builder, he attend- 
ed school and took 
t o boating. H e 
came to S o u t h 
Boston in 1S66, 
worked eight years 
for Pierce Bros., 
then engaged i n 
the business in the 
firm of Ilutchings 
X Prior, building 
several ot the fast- 
est boats along the 
coast. During the 
life, he was engaged in the 





HERMAN IIORMEL, a son of Ernest and 
Albertina Hormel, was born in South 
Boston, Oct. 15, 1873. His early educa- 
tion was obtained in the public schools of this 
district, he being a 
graduate of the 
Lincoln Grammar 
School in i 8 S5 . 
He thL-n entered 
the Boston Latin 
School, from which 
he gr adu ated in 
1891, and he then 
entered the Massa- 
chusetts Institute 
of Tec h n o logy. 
Here he made a 
special study of 
che mist ry . and 
graduated in 1895. 
For several years 
.Mr. Hormel has 
been verv active in 

the Republican ranks in South Boston, particu- 
larly in Ward 14. having been a member of the 
Ward Committee for the past four years, and 
served as chairman during 1903. He has also 
represented his district in the Republican State 
Committee. Mr. I lormel is a member ot Adelphi 
Lod<'e F. & A. M., St. Matthew's Chapter. St. 
OmtM- Commanderv, Boston Council, Signa 
Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and is scrgt.-at-arms 
of the South Boston Citizens' Association. 

DR. lOHN P. lONES, physician, 381 A West 
Broadwav. was born in Boston. May. 1874, 
a son of timothy and Hanora (Nutley) Jones 
and came to South Boston in 1875. graduating 
from the Lawrence 
School in 1889. He 
graduated from the 
English High 
Sch<)ol in 1892 
and entered the em- 
plov of the Metro- 
politan Sewerage 
C o m mission as 
civil engineer, and 
was employed on 
survevs for t h e 
Eleva'ted Road and 
city sewers. He 
entered Boston Uni- 
versity Medical 
Sih<)(")l- receiving 
his M. 1). degree in 
1901. During 1900 




latter vears of his ...^, ..- ..— ;;;.-<-• . , 

lettin- of boats and vachts at City Point and 
freque'ntlv distinguished himself bv saving lives 
in Dorchester Bav. He married Miss Pamelia 
Keen of Kitterv. "Me., by whom there were five 
children, three of whom are now living. Mis. 
Woodman. Lieut. George H. ""^'hin/^- °^ .^he 
fire department and Mrs. Mills D. Barbe. . 
After the death of his first wife he married .Miss 
Mvra Lowell of Kittery. 



r;9o;he';v.i7;:;;identphysicianoftheRox. 
burv Dispensary. Immediately atter receiving 
h \legr.Pe! he established hiniself at 4>4 Bi^ac^- 
wav, and later at his present residence^ 381 A 
B oadwav. He is a member of ^ arragut Lodge, 
\ O U.W..Ben HurCircle. C. F., Alpha Sigma 
Fmternity of B. U., Citi/ons .\sso. Du;. m- A- 
n H indSS. Peter and Paul sCt.. M. «-■ »^- '•' 
and e^rntn^ng physician for the two latter. In 
^901 he married Miss Alice Agnes McLeod. 



520 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



TTON. BENJAMIN JAMES, deceased, in his 
time one of the oldest and most estimable 
citizens of the district, was born in the town of 
Scituate, Mass., August 24, 1814. His father 
was Dr. Elisha James, a practicing physician of 
that town for more than forty years. Both his 
parents traced their ancestry back to William 
White, father of Peregrine White. Benjamin 
attended school in his native town and in 1830 
came to Boston and was apprenticed for four 
years to the house and ship joiner trade. 
Always interested in real estate matters he built 
123 houses in Sowth Boston, all of ^\hich are 
standing to-day. In 
1S60 and 1861 he was 
a member of the lum- 
ber firm of B. and 
G. B.James, Pope and 
Company. with vards, 
docks and mills on 
West First Street. In 
the latter years of his 
business life he devo- 
ted his time to the 
care of his real estate. 
He was for thirty-two 
years a trustee of the 
Hawes fund and for 
nine years its treasin-- 
er, the duties of this 
latter position being 
multitiulinous. v c t 
carefully attended 

to by Mr. James. For 
more than twentv 
years he represented 
South Boston in pub- 
lic offices in the city 
and state. He was a 
member of the Com- 
mon Council for 1848 
and 1S49, in the House 

of Representatives in 1S50 and 185 1, and the 
Board of Aldermen in 1852 and 1853 when the 
Board consisted of but eight members. He was 
re-elected for 1857 and 1858 and then served in 
that Board in 1866, 1867, 1868 and 1869. In the 
latter year he was chairman. With a thorough 
knowledge of the needs of Boston, and parti- 
cularly of his own section, during his 3'ears of 
service in the Board of Aldermen, when there 
were no commissioners, the aldermen doing all 
the work, Mr. James did excellent service, the 
benefits of which are enjoyed to this day. 




HON. BENJAMIN JAMES 



For several years prior to his death, ^Ir. James 
enjoyed the distinction of being the oldest living 
ex-alderman, and one of only four who had 
served eight years in that Board. He was an 
alderman during the administrations of Mayor 
Seaver (1852 and 1853), of Mayor Rice (1S57), 
of Mayor Lincoln (1858 and 1866), Mayor Nor- 
cross( 1867) and Mayor Shurtleff ( 1868 and 1S69.) 
During his last year as an alderman, when he 
was chairman, among the great improvements 
accomplished were the widening of Hanover St. 
from Court to Blackstone, Federal St. from 
Summer to First, Devonshire St. from State to 
Milk, Tremont St. 
from Boylston St. to 
the railroad bridge, 
and the extension of 
Broadway to Albany 
Street. 

After his busy 
public career, he tooli 
a trip to California 
in 1S70. with the 
Board of Trade, and 
in 1S72 visited 
Europe, accompanied 
by Ex-Mayor Henry 
L. Pierce and James 
M. Bugbee. Diu-ing 
the latter years of his 
life he r e m a i n e d 
mostly at home on 
Thomas Park, but 
even in his old age he 
made frequent trips 
to the city, and at- 
tended meetings oi 
h i s organizations. 
He was a director of 
the South Boston Gas 
Light Co. for sixteen 
years, eleven of which 
he was treasiuer. He was a corporate member of 
the South Boston Savings Bank, a director of the 
South Boston Street Railroad, life member of 
the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Asso. 
and a trustee of the Franklin Savings Bank. He 
was also a member of the famous Boston Club. 
Mr. James died at his home on Thomas Park, 
Saturday, April 13, 1901, at the age of 86. He 
left six sons, all of whom had reached manhood, 
George B., Elisha, Charles, Edwin, William and 
Benjamin. He was actively engaged in real 
estate matters up to the time of his death. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



521 



"PRANCIS JA.MES, engaged in the real estate business, was born in Scituate. Mass., |ulv 16. 
J- 1S19. His father was Dr. Elisha James, for more than forty years a practicing pliysicia'n in 
that town. Few names can be mentioned more intimately connected with the growth of South 
Boston, than that of Francis James. He is descended from Pilgrim stock, Ixing the sixth genera- 
tion from Peregrine White. Removing to South Boston, 
April iS, 1837, Mr. James apprenticed himself to Luther 
Whitcher, of whom he learned the mason trade in all its 
branches, and has ever since that time resided on the penin- 
sula, being to-day one of the oldest residents. In 1841 he 
was employed on the Bunker 1 lill monument in Charlestown. 
After it had been left in an incomplete state for manv vears 
he helped carry it to completion, walking back and forth to 
his task, from South Boston, .md devoting more than twelve 
hours a day to steady work- He also built the old Gate of 
Heaven Church at the corner of East Fourth and I Streets, 
the old South Boston car stables on Broadway, and man\- 
other of the large buildings in the district. Mr. James is one 
of the few men living who can take pride in having activelv 
participated in the building up of South Boston during that 
memorable period of the district's rapid growth, just after the 
War of tlie Rebellion In 1849 he married Hannah Barker 
Briggs of Scituate, Mass., and in 1S99 they celebrated their 
golden wedding. 

Mr. James was, for many years, an assessor for the city 
of Boston, a director of tlie South Boston Horse Railway 
Companv and of the South Boston Gaslight Company, vice 
president of the Howard Benevolent Society and treasurer of 
the Philips Congregational Church of which he has been a 
constant attendant from tlie days when it \vorshipped in the 
building at the corner of Broadwa^y and B Street. In 1870 
and 1S71 he represented old Ward 12 in the Legislature. For many years he has been a director 
and vice president of the Mechanics National Bank of Boston and, although 84 years of age, he 
Beldom misses anv of its regular meetings. He resides at 495 East Broadway. 




JOHN T. KALER, insm-ance broker. mL'mbcr 
of the firm of Curtis, Clark c^ Co., and 
Boston manager for the Agricultural Fire 
tisurance Co. of Watertown, N. Y., National 
Union Fire Insu- 
rance Co. of Pitts- 
burg, Pa., Briti'^h 
American Fire In- 
surance Co. of New- 
York, N. Y., and 
North German Fire 
Insurance C o m - 
pany of New "S'ork. 
N. Y., representing 
assets of more than 
$4,000,000, was 
born in Boston, 
Oct. 6, iS68,ofJohn 
T. and Mary A. 
(Gough) Kaler. 
Graduating from 
the Lincoln School 
about 1882 he en- 
tered the employ of Curtis, Clark iSc Co., 55 
Kilby Street, and became a member of the firm in 
1896, their present offices being at 114A Milk 
Street. He w^as a resident of South Boston from 
1872 to 1900. He married Miss Kate A. Devine, 
has one child, Harold Kaler, and lives at 85 
Waumbeck Street, Elm Hill. Mr. Kaler is a 
member of the Boston Board of Fire I'nder- 
writers, Boston Protective Dept., Hull Golf 
Club and the Insurance Golf Association. 




DR. HKRBKR'r J. KKl'.NAN. physician, 
was born in South Boston. Feb. 10. 1871. 
He graduated from the Lawrence School, 
and then entered the English High School, from 
which he graduated 
in 1889. He took 
the post graduate 
course the follow- 
ing year, a f t e r 
which he entered 
Harvard Medical 
School. After a 
thorough course he 
received his degree 
in 1894. and im- 
mediately b e g a n 
the practice of 
medicine at 279 
West Broadway, 
his present loca- 
tion. Besides his 
regular practice, he 
is medical examiner 

for several fraternal and life insurance organiza- 
tions. In December, 1902, Dr. Keenan was 
elected to the School Board for three years. He 
is a member of the Harvard Medical Alumni 
Association, the Mass. Medical Society, So. 
Boston Council, K. C, So. Boston Citizens' 
Association, Catholic Knights of America, Non- 
pareil Conclave. I. O. IL," Rosary Court, Cath- 
olic Order of Foresters of the United States and 
Canada, and the Union Fraternal League. 




522 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



EDWARD W. KELLY, proprietor of the 
Broadway Bowling Alleys, was born in 
South Boston, April 24, 1867, and has re- 
sided here all his life. He is tlie son of Hugh 
and E u p h e m i a 
Kell}', old residents 
of this district. He 
was educated in the 
Mather and 
Lawrence Schools, 
and, after finishing 
his studies, entered 
the billiard and 
pool business, and 
he conducted an 
establishment o f 
this kind for many 
years at 339 West 
Broadway. He 
opened the Broad- 
way BowlingAlleys 
at 324 Broadway in 
1899 and has con- 
ducted them since that time. During the winter 
season Mr. Kelley arranges a series of tourna- 
ments in which teams representing many of the 
prominent local organizations participate. In 
1896 he married Miss Katherine O'Neil. They 
have one daughter, Mary, and reside at S50 East 
Broadway. Mr. Kelly is a member of the 
Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, Elm Hill Council, 
Knights of Columbus and Trimount Conclave, 
Improved Order of Heptasophs. 




■\17ILLIAM J. KELLY, painter and decora- 
* '' tor, -was born corner of Emerson St. and 
Broadway, March 18, 1854, of Patrick 
and Mary (Galvin) Kelly. He attended the 
public schools and 
when but a bov 
worked in the chain 
factory, corner of 
F and'3rd Sts. At 
16 he worked at 
polishing and gild- 
ing furniture, latei- 
worked at polish- 
ing and varnishing 
pianos and organs. 
In 1892 he starteti 
in the painting 
business for him- 
self at the corner of 
F and 6th Sts.. 
where he is now 
located. He mar- 
ried Miss Julia 

Foley of Seneca Street, South End. and has one 
son, Thomas F. Kelly, a well known pianist. 
He married, the second time. Miss Winifred F, 
Clinton, of Roxbury. He is a member of Mt. 
Washington Lodge, A. O. U. W., So. Boston 
Council, K. C, St. Augustine's Lyceum, the 
Twenty-Five Associates and Div. 58, A. O. H. 
He resides at 222 W. Seventh St., where he has 
lived 25 years. Mr. Kelly's brother is John T. 
Kelh', the well knoAvn comedian. 




DANIEL J. KINNALY, plumber, gas litter, steam and hot water heating, sheet iron, copper 
and stove work, is a native of South Boston, having been born in the district, Mav 8. 1855. 
His parents were Daniel and Mary (Regan) Kinnaly. As a boy he attended the Tuckerman 
and the Lincoln Grammar schools, after which he worked at the grocery business, but only for a 

year. At the age of 14 he went to work for Charles M. 
Bromwich, plumber, remaining three years with him, and 
then he was apprenticed in various shops in the city until he 
started in business for himself in 1890. He has thus been 
interested in his line of business for more than 33 years and 
is an expert in its every branch. 

Mr. Kinnaly w-as in business, at iirst, at the corner of Dor- 
chester and G Streets, and, in 1S93, he removed to his present 
location, 126 Emerson Street, where he does a large business 
and employs a large number of men. Outside working hours 
Mr. Kinnaly interested himself in politics, served on the 
Ward 14 Democratic Committee for fourteen years, and has 
been chairman of the Senatorial District Committee for six 
years. In the fall of 1892 he was elected to the House of Re- 
presentatives, serving during 1893 and 1894 on important 
committees of that body, and was afterward a candidate for 
alderman, failing of election, in one of the most hotly con- 
tested campaigns, by less than twenty votes. During his en- 
tire political career Mr. Kinnaly has received flattering in- 
dorsements from the voters of Ward 15 as well as of his own 
section, and has ever been a loyal worker for his friends 
when they have sought office. 

Mr. Kinnaly is a member of the Master Plumbers' Asso- 
ciation, of Fai-ragut Lodge 165, Ancient Order United Work- 
men. South Boston Conclave of the Improved Order of 
Heptasophs, Division 74, A. O. II., South Boston Citizens' 
Association, South Boston Yacht Club, Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club. Mattapannock Club of Ward 
14, and an associate member of Dahlgren Post 2, G. A. R. He married Miss Mary E. Harrington 
and has two sons and one daughter, Edward T., Daniel and Catherine. He lives at 100 L Street. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



523 



THOMAS J. KENNY, lawyer, 28 State Street, 
was born in South Boston, November. 
1865, and has always resided here. After 
a private course of studies he entered the office 
of Morse, Loomis ^: 
Lane, to study law. 
He was admitted to 
the Suffolk County 
bar in March, 1897, 
and the same year 
became a law partner 
of Georj^e W. Morse. 
The following year 
he was elected a 
m ember of t h e 
Boston School Com- 
mittee f o r t h r ee 
vears and was re- 
elected for a similar 
term in 190 1. As :i 
member of the board. 
Mr. K e n n y \v a s 
identified with its 
most important educational work, serving as a 
member of the committee on courses of study 
and text books. January i, 1903. the law firm 
of Morse, Hickev Iv Kenny was organized, with 
George W. Morse as senior partner. "Sir. Kenny 
is past grand knight of James E. Hayes Council 
K. of C, and master of the 4th degree. He is a 
member of the Catholic Union, Young Men's 
Catholic Association, and president of the 
Beacon Association. 




JAMES M, LANE, prominent in political 
aftairs of the district, was born in South 
Boston, Dec. i, 1872. His parents were: 
James and Mary (Keefe) Lane, estimable resi- 
dents of the district. 
Attending the pub- 
lic schools he grad- 
uated from the 
Lawrence School 
in 18S2 and immedi- 
ately entered the 
office of the well 
known lawyers, 
Gargan and Keat- 
ing and has remain- 
ed there ever since, 
tiieir present offices 
being at 702 Pem- 
b e r t o n Building. 
Entering politics at 
an early age, he 
was elected to the 
Common Council 

for 1901 and 1902 and to the Legislature for 
1903, serving in the latter on the committee ort- 
drainage. ^Ir. Lane was married, in 1S96, ta 
Miss Margaret A. English, has one child, Mary 
Ethel, and lives at 27 Vale Street. He is a 
member of the South Boston Conclave, Improved 
Order of Heptasophs, West End Council of the- 
Knights of Columbus and the Twenty Associ- 
ates, and a member of the Ward 15 Democratic 
Committee. 




DR. lOHN G. LANE, phvsician, 496 East P>road\vay. was horn in Philadelphia. IVnn., in 1854^ 
but went to Ireland while very young where he received his education. He first attended th(i- 
public schools in his district in'County Cork and when ten years old entered a private Latii> 
school. Finishing his studies there he entered Clongowes Wood College. County Kildare. con- 
ducted by the Jesvfit Fathers. Passing through the highest 
classes here he entered Dublin University under the tutorship 
of Rev. Dr. Stubbs, senior fellow and professor of astronomy. 
While at Trinity College, Dublin, he graduated with honors 
in 1876 in arts, medicine and surgery, receiving the degrees 
of A. B., M. B., B. C. H., L. M., L. S. and T. C. D. At the 
same time he received an L. M. from the Coombe Lying-in 
Hospital, Dublin. It was during his college career that he 
made his reputation as an athlete. During his last two years 
at Dublin University he won the all-round champion belt, 
the contests including sprinting, hurdling, running, jumping, 
shot put, etc. He also won the world's record for running 
lono- jump defeating the champion of Cambridge University, 
Eng.. who held the" world's record and that of Great Britain. 
The first contest was even and in the second, which occurred 
in Trinity College Park. Dr. Lane won by 3 1-2 inches. Ik- 
was one of the best high hurdle runners of his tiine in Great 
Britain, particularly in the 120 vard ten flights, finally being 
compelled to be a scratch man and even then invariably won. 
In the lono- and pole jumps he had to allow 20 inches in the 
former and ten in the latter, but with that he captured and 
held two Irish champion challenge cups. He was defeated 
in the 100 yard dash on grass by a small margin, but did it 111 
the remarkable time of 10 seconds. He possesses six chain- 
nion Celtic crosses each representing a championship of all Ireland. He was chosen to repiescnt 
Ireland against Enc^land at Lillv Bridge. London, in 1876. in two events, but came to the I nited' 
States at'that^imer He married Miss^Mav E. Lavery. daughter of a well known business man of 
South Boston. November. 1899. He is a member of South Boston Council. K of C, is surgeon- 
major in the Montgomery Light Guard Vet. Assn., and is a member ot various local organizations. 




524 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



JOHN W. LAVERY, one of the most re- 
spected and best known citizens of the dis- 
trict, has been in the undertaking business, 
•originally established in 1850 by his father, 

Francis L. Laverj, 
since 1S70. Natur- 
alh', Mr. Layery is 
one of the oldest 
funeral directors, 
not only of South 
Boston, but also of 
the whole city. 
After graduating 
from the Lawrence 
Grammar School, 
and upon the death 
of his father, he im- 
mediately entered 
the business, and 
in a few years in- 
creased it to a large 
and extensiye estab- 
lishment. Finan- 
-cially he is one of our solid men, and has large 
holdings in real estate. He is identified with 
many organizations, including South Boston 
Council of the Knights of Columbus, Winthrop 
Council Royal Arcanum, SS. Peter and Paul's 
Court. M. C. O, F., Improved Order of Hepta- 
sophs, and the United Order of Fraternal 
Helpers. His warerooms are at 54 A Street, 
with a branch office at S69 Dorchester Ave., and 
his residence is at 682 Columbia Road. 




FRANCIS W. LAVERY, identified as he has 
been since his youth, with his father as 
funeral director, is thoroughly equipped 
for his business. He is one of the family of that 
name which has 
been con n e c t e d 
with the history of 
the peninsula for 
almost a century, 
and is the son of 
John W. and Mary 
T. Lavery, and was 
born in 1873. His 
education was re- 
ceived in the pri- 
mary and grammar 
schools of the dis- 
trict, (the Mather, 
Lawrence and 
Bigelow Schools) 
and the English 
High School. In 
1890 he entered the 

business with his father, learning it in its every 
detail, and in 189S became a member of the firm 
under the style of John W. Lavery & Son, with 
warerooms at 54 A Street, and a branch office 
at 869 Dorchester Ave. He i-esides at 871 Dor- 
chester Ave. He is well known in the district, 
interested in the younger social world, and is a 
member of the Catholic Union and the City 
Point Catholic Association, besides several of 
the fraternal societies. 




HON. EDWARD |. LEARY, city messenger, was born in South Boston, at the corner of 
Dorchester Avenue and Silver Street, the son of John Leary, an old and highly respected 
resident of the district, recently deceased. Graduating from the Lawrence School, young 

Learv went to work for the Suffolk Glass Works and later was engaged as a music compositor, 

serving his apprenticeship with J. Frank Giles. For three 
years Mr. Leary conducted a clothing store at the corner 
of West Broadway and B Street. 

Always prominent in Democratic contests in Ward 13, 
Mr. Leary soon entered the political arena himself and was 
elected to the Common Council for 18S6 and 1887, then to 
the Massachusetts House of Representatives for 1888 and 
1SS9, thence to the Board of Aldermen for 1890, 1891 and 
1892, and finally to the Senate for 1893 and 1894. He served 
on many of the most important committees of the State 
Legislature, prominent among them being the committee on 
railroads, and during his entire nine years of service in public 
elective office he manifested a deep interest in his district and 
his constituency. His repeated elections to public office 
testify to the high esteem in which he was held by the 
people of his district. In 1S96 he was elected to the position 
of city messenger of Boston, succeeding Alvah Peters, who 
had filled that office a quarter of a century. Since then Mr. 
Leary has been re-elected each year. In his official capacity 
he has directed affairs for the city in the entertainment of 
many prominent and royal dignitaries while visiting Boston. 
City Messenger Leary is a life member of the Young Men's 
Catholic Association of Boston College, a life member of 
Boston Lodge 10, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of 
Elks, past chief ranger of SS. Peter and Paul's Court of the 
M. C. O. F., past grand knight of Redberry Council of the 

K. C, and a member of the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, South Boston Yacht Club, South Boston 

Citizens' Association and the Irish Charitable Society. In 1902 Mr. Leary married Miss Theresa 

G. Power and they live at 351 West Fourth Street. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON'. 



S^S 



LEWIS W. LEARY, funeral di-rector, undertaker and embalmer, was born in Sharon. Mass., 
Dec. 25, 1862. His parents, well known and highly esteemed residents of that town, were 
Lewis Leary and Anna (Toomey) Leary. lie attended the schools of his native place. ,<,n-ad- 
uatin^ with honors from the Centre Gramn'iar School of Sharon, and the Sharon High School. 
He isalso the possessor of a degree from the Stoughlonhani 
Institute. 

In 1880 Mr. Leary removed to South Boston, ami ai)pren- 
ticed himself as a funeral director and undertaker, mastering 
its art in every branch, and, in 1S93. he started in for him- 
self at 146 West Broadway, one of his present locations. 
He also has warerooms at 898 Dorchester Ave., and 6J5 
Washington Street, Dorchester. 

In 1890, Mr. Leary was married to Miss .Mary E. (.. 
Dunne, and they have two children. Marie Josephine Leary 
and Lewis Walter Leary. and they reside at 774 Columbia 
Road, Dorchester. 

Mr. Learv has always been prominently identitled and in- 
terested in" social and fraternal organizations of South 
Boston. He has been chancellor of the South Boston Coun- 
cil of the Knights of Columbus, dictator of the Knights of 
Honor, and ruler of the Royal Society of Good Fellows. 
He is at present a member of Boston Lodge, No. 10, of the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, South Boston 
Council of the Knights of Columbus, City Point Lodge oi 
the Knights of Honor, Winthrop Council 538 of the Royal 
Arcanum. South Boston Conclave 433 of the Improved Order 
of Heptasophs. St. Gregory's Court 24, :Massachusetts Cath- 
olic Order of Foresters,' Boston Lodge 5 of the Royal Society 
of Good Fellows, Div. 58 of Ancient Order of Hibernians. 
Wolfe Tone Association. South Boston Citizens' Association. 
Massachusetts Undertakers' Association, and has been a member 
committee of the latter organization for several years, and has evei 
welfare and advancement of all these organizations. 




)f the legislative and executive 
been a zealous worker for the 



FniAXK 1. LINEHAN, occupation building 
construction, prominent in political circles 
of Ward 13, was born in Ireland in 1869 
and, with his parents, came to this country in 
1S76. They moved 
to South " Boston 
and he has been a 
resident here ever 
since, identifying 
himself with the 
interests of the 
peninsula district. 
He received his 
education in the 
private and public 
schools. Manifest- 
ing an interest in 
government affairs 
he entered politics, 
and, becoming ac- 
tive in this line, 

he was elected to 

the Common Coun- 
cil for the years 1899, 1900 and 1902, serving on 
important committees and taking a very prom- 
inent part in debate. He was elected to the 
Legislature for 1903 and distinguished himself 
there, likewise. Mr. Linehan was ever an 
earnest and conscientious public servant, a care 
ful student of all measures on which he had to 
vote and vigorous in argument in behalf of the 
people. He is a member of several organiza- 
tions and lives at 195 W. Fifth St. 



M 




ICII-VEL ). L^'DOX. dealer in wines, 
liquors andcigars. and prominent in poli- 
tical affairs of Ward 13, was born in South 
Boston. September 13. 1872, has always been a 
resident of this 
district a n d w a s 
e d u c a t e d in its 
public schools. 
When but a youth 
he took an interest 
in politics and was 
elected to the Com- 
m o n Council f or 
1898 and 1899, iden- 
tifying h i m self 
with many of the 
leading measures of 
t h a t b o d y a n d 
being an earnest 
advocate in behalf 
of his district. 
He was instrumen- 
tal in securing for 

his ward improvements and additions to the 
ward room in Spellman Hall for which it had so 
long advocated. He was a member of the Leg- 
islature for 1900 and 1901. in the former year 
being on the committee on labor and in the 
latter vear clerk of the committee on pay roll 
and a member of the insurance committee. He 
is a member of Division 57, A.O.H., of the Wolfe 
Tone Club. Shawmut Rowing Club and other 
organizations. He lives at 321 West Fourth St. 





COL. LAWRENCE J. LOGAN. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



527 



/~^OL. LAWRENCE J. LOGAN was horn in 
^^ Ireland, August 10, 1S4:; : was echu-ated in 
the national schools of his native country, and 
came to America when but sixteen years ot age. 
He first located in Worcester. He was appren- 
ticed to the iron moulding trade, remaining in 
that business but a few years, and, in 186.:, he 
removed to Boston, where he engaged in busi- 
ness with his brother, P. F. Logan. In 1 866 he 
was admitted to partnership with his brother, 
under the firm name of P. F. Logan iV Brother, 
which continued until 1873, when he succeeded 
to the business, that of wholesale ami retail 
liquor dealer, continuing to the present time. 
His place of business is 397 lIarri>on .\venue, 
corner of Dover Street. 

Ever interested in public affairs, ami. >-ince his 
removal to South Boston in 187J, devoted to the 
interests of the district, Col. Logan has taken 
an active part in political affairs, doing excellent 
service for the district and for the city. For 
many years he was a member of the Democratic 
City Committee, and for four years served as 
treasurer of that organization. In 1886 and 
1887 he represented the Fourth Councillor Dis- 
trict in the Executive Council, under Govs. 
Robinson and Ames, and shortly afterward, 
owing to the necessity of devoting all his time 
to his rapidlv increasing business, lie retired 
from active participation in politics, although 
y'et possessing an interest in such affairs. 

As a successful business man he is recognized 
throughout Boston, and is one of its representa- 
tive citizens. He is a director of the Mattapan 
Deposit and Tru-t Company and the Federal 
Trust Company, and also of the South Boston 
Building Association, a trustee of the Dorches- 
ter Savings Bank and a member of the Irish 
Charitable Society, the Boston Athletic Asso- 
ciation, the South Boston Citizens' Association 
and several other organizations. 

In the militia of the Commonwealth of Mas- 
sachusetts Col. Logan has rendered long and 
valiant service. He first enlisted in the P'ifty- 
fifth Unattached Company in 1S65. On the 
organization of the famous Ninth Regiment he 
was elected first lieutenant of Company D 
April 28, 1866, and was promoted to the posi- 
tion of captain April 2, 1869, commissioned 
major March 4, 1872, and honorably discharged 
April 28, 1876. Still having a love for military 
life, he again entered the Ninth Regiment, 
being elected lieutenant-colonel Jan. 20, 1879, 
which position he resigned July 10, 1889, and 



was re-elected to tlie same office Nov. 6, 18S9. 
Immediately on the declaration of war with 
Spain, in 1898, Col. Logan determined to par- 
ticipate, and, with his regiment, w-a.s mustered 
into the United States service. It was known 
as the Ninth Regiment of Massachusetts In- 
fantry, M. V. M. He was commissioned lieu- 
tenant-colonel May II, 1898. With the regi- 
ment he left Camp Dewey, South Framingham, 
Mass., May 31, 1898, and arrived at Camp Alger, 
Va., Jime i, where the regiment was attached to 
a brigade ur.der Brig. Gen. Duffield. June 24, 
the regiment left camp for Ne^'port New's, \'a., 
whence, Jime 26. it sailed in the U. S. S. 
llarxard, tor Siboney, Cidia, landing there 
July I. 

At ten o'clock that evening. Col. Logan took 
over the command from Col. Bogan, who was 
stricken with a moi'tal illness, and he led the 
Ninth Massachusetts Regiment to the front, 
and reported at Gen. Shafter's headquarters at 
daybreak, July 2, after a tedious and memorable 
march, the entire night through. After a brief 
halt, the advance was resumed, and by noon of 
the same day, the Ninth Regiment reported to 
Gen. Bates, who assigned it to an important 
position in the trenches, on the extreme left, 
which position was helil mitil aftei' the siu^ren- 
der of Santiago, July 17, 1S98. 

July 18, 1898, the regiment was ordered to a 
swamp which was very unhealthy, breeding 
malaria, and two days later. Col. Logan was at- 
tacked with yellow fever which incapacitated him 
from further duty. After a slight improvement 
he was ordered home, and after many weeks of 
care and mn^sing he regained much of his good 
health. 

August 18, 189S, he was commissioned col- 
onel, vice Col. Fred B. Bogan, deceased, and he 
was mustered out of the United States service 
with his regiment, Nov. 26, 1S98. On the re- 
organization. Col. Logan remained with the 
regiment and is yet a member. 

In business and military circles Col. Logan is 
held in high esteem and he has frequently dis- 
plaved a thorough public spirit and manifested 
a zealous interest in local and city affairs. 

In 1872, Col. Logan was married to Miss 
Catherine M. O'Connor. Eight children are 
living, Ex-Representative Edward L. Logan, a 
voung lawyer, Joseph A., Leo J., an instructor 
at Malinao, Phillippine Islands, Martha T., 
Theodore M., Elizabeth, Francis and Malcolm J. 
Col. Logan resides at 560 East Broadway. 



528 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 






CHARLES GOODWIN CLARK HON. BENJAMIN DEAN LIEUT. TIMOTHY ENRIGHT 

First ^Master (iastoii Scliool Congressman 1.S77-1S78 Station G 





REV. P. F. LYNDON 
Pastor SS. I'cter and Paul's Cliiircb 
18u3-18(i3 



REV. WM. A. BLENKINSOP 

Pastor SS. Peter and Paul's Cliurch 

1863-1892 






GEO. W. ARMSTRONG 



ADAM BENT 



HENRY A. DRAKE 



WELL KNOWN RESIDENTS, NOW DECEASED. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



529 



EDWARD L. LOGAN, lawyer, son of Col. Lawrence J. and Catherine M. (O'Connor) Lo^an, 
was born in South Boston, Jan. 20, 1S75. He graduated from the Lincoln School in 
1889, and from the Boston Latin School in 1894. During his course in the Latin School he 
made an excellent record as a soldier, in 1892 winning the first prize, a gold medal, for individual 
excellence in the manual of arms. He was also commis- 
sioned major of the battalion in his senior year. He other- 
wise distinguished himself in this school, being orator of the 
class and delivering the class oration Feb. 22. He continued 
his studies at the Harvard College, gradiuxting in 1898. In 
his junior year he was elected a member of the Institute of 
1770, was one of the organizers and first president of his 
Harvard Democratic Club, being unanimously re-elected to 
that position. He was also president of the Harvard Catho- 
lic Club. Entering the Harvard Law School he graduated 
in 1901, and was admitted to the Suffolk bar that same year. 
His studies at the Harvard Law School were interrupted in 
1898 by the breaking out of the Spanish War. He gave up 
his studies and enlisted with the Ninth Massachusetts Regi- 
ment in the United States service, having previously been a 
member of the state militia. Diu-ing the war he was ser- 
geant-major, remaining until the close of the conflict. He 
is now first lieutenant of Co. A, Ninth Massachusetts Regi- 
ment. For many years a member of the Ward 14 Democratic 
Committee, he has taken a prominent part in the politics of 
that ward. A ready speaker, he has done excellent service 
for the party, and in the fall of i8c^8 he was elected to the 
Common Council, serving in the years 1899 and 1900, and 
then elected to the House of Representatives for 1901 and 
1902, serving on the committee on Metropolitan Affairs. In 
1903 he was chief marshal of the Evacuation Day parade. 

Mr. Logan is a member of the City Point Catholic Association, the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, 
Maj. Michael J. O'Connor Camp 4, L. S. W. \'., Division 13, A. O. H.. and the Mattapannock Club 
of Ward 14. llis law office is in the Ames Building, corner of Court and Washington Streets. 




MICHAEL J. LYNCH, furniture and piano 
mover, was born in Milton, Mass., and 
removed to Brighton at an early age. He 
attended the public school there, then resided 
in Roxbury until 
1882, when he re- 
moved to South 
Boston. He was a 
foreman of the Bos- 
ton Cordage Co. 
vintil 1889 when he 
purchased the fur- 
niture and piano 
moving business of 
George Walker of 
Broadway and F 
Street and was very 
successful. In 1895 
he purchased the 
teams of John 
McCarthy & Son 
of ^\'ashington and 
Kneeland Streets, 
also his house and stable, 29 Yinton St.. where 
Mr. Lynch now resides. He runs twelve teams 
and employs many men. His business has 
grown and he has many beach customers. His 
office is at 670 Broadway. Mr. Lynch is a mem- 
ber of the So. Boston Yacht Club, of Mt. Wash- 
ington Lodge. A. O. U. W., Oak Lodge, So. 
Boston Citizens' Asso., and the Master Furniture 
and Piano Movers' Asso. He married Miss 
Tennie Wilcox, and has one daughter, Mabel. 




DR. J. S. Mac DONALD, physician, was born 
in St. Andrew, P. E. I., Sept. i, 1S64. Here 
he received his early education, finished his 
grammar school studies in 1879, and entered the 
service of the 
Anglo American 
Lithograph Co. 
He entered St. 
Dunstan College in 
1885, and, a f t e r 
taking a course 
there, later at- 
tended Laval Uni- 
versity, Montreal. 
He then entered 
McGill Medical 
College. Montreal, 
and finished with 
the degrees of doc- 
tor of medicine and 
master of surgery, 
in 1899. During 
this time he had 

four years experience in hospital work in the 
Rovai ^'ictoria and Montreal (ieneral Hospitals. 
In 1893 he married Miss C. P. MacKinnon, and 
thev have two children, Gertrude and Katherine. 
Dr. McDonald came to South Boston in 1S90, 
and his residence and office are at 562 East 
Broadway. He is examining physician for sev- 
eral well known insurance and fraternal organ- 
izations, and a member of several of the 
latter. 




530 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



EDMUND A. MACDONALD. city collector, 
was born in 4th St., Sept. S, 1842, of Jack- 
son and Marv (Wall) Macdonald. He 
attended the Mather and the Lincoln Schools, 

graduating from 
the latter in 1857. 
He then went to 
work for his father, 
who was superin- 
tendent for the 
Boston Locomotive 
\V'orks, and after 
that he had charge 
of the real estate of 
Josiah Dunham, a 
well known resi- 
dent of the district. 
He then went to 
Norfolk, Va , re- 
maining three 
years, and after 
travelling through 
the South returned 
to Boston. He was chosen county paymaster 
in December, 1S71, taking charge Jan. i, 1872, 
remaining there until May i, 1902, when he was 
appointed city collector by Maj or Collins. Mr. 
Macdonald married Miss Eliza h\ Babbidge and 
has two children, Albert E. and Florence L. 
He lives at 677 Cambridge Street, Brighton. He 
is a member of the Roval Arcanum. Knights of 
Columbus, the M. C." (). F., Knights "of St 
Rose, and the Irish Charitable Societv, 




JEROME S. MACDONALD, deceased, was 
born in South Boston, August 15, 1849, and 
was a son of Jackson and Mary Macdonald. 
He received his early education in the public 
schools of this dis- 
tr i c t , graduating 
from the Lawrence 
Grammar School in 
1866. Finishing 
his studies there, 
he entered the 
Boston Latin 
School. His busi- 
ness career began 
while he was a 
young man, and at 
the time of his 
death, which occur- 
red December 8. 
1892, he was one of 
the most prominent 
real estate and in- 
surance brokers in 

the city. He was married to Mary F. Collins 
and resided at 934 East Broadway with his 
family of» four children, Mary, Agnes, Ellen 
and Jerome. He was a member of the Chari- 
table Irish Society, Legion of Honor, Boston 
Athletic Association, Central Club, Catholic 
Union and other organizations. For many 
years he was greatly mterested in the Carney 
Hospital, and did miich for that institution, and 
was also identified with other charitable work. 




JOHN MAHONEY, inspector in the sanitary 
division of the street department, and com- 
mander of Washington Post, 32, G. A. R., 
was born in Boston in 1S44, his parents being 
Jeremiah and Mary 
Mahoney. He at- 
tended the school 
on South Street 
and then went to 
the Qiiincy Gram- 
mar School. re- 
moving to South 
Boston in 1S54. 
1 le enlisted early in 
the Civil War and 
was a non-com- 
missioned officer in 
the service, and, 
shortly after the 
close of that war, 
he joined Thomas 
G. Stevenson Post 
26. G. A. R.. and 
in March, 1893, transferred to Washington Post 
32. For two years he was quartermaster- 
sergeant, sergeant-major two years, adjutant 
two years and has served as commander of that 
post three years, and is also a member of the 
South Boston Citizens' Association, and is vice- 
president of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalrv 
Association. Commander Mahonev is married 
and has two sons, James A. and John J. He 
lives at 488 East Seventh Street. 




T\/riCHAEL J. MAHONEY, ballast contractor 
■'•''-L at 224 Milk Street, Boston, was born in 
South Boston in 1S63, and is a son of 
Andrew and Mary Mahoney. He attended the 
Lawrence School, 
graduating in 1S79, 
and later entered 
Boston College. 
Finishing his 
studies there he en- 
tered his piesent 
business, his head- 
quarters at that 
time being at 249 
Atlantic Ave. He 
left there lor his 
present place of 
business about 
1S93. His wharf is 
at the New England 
Docks, near the 
Atlas stores, and a 
large part of his 

business is the ballasting of vessels, having done 
some notable work in this line. At the time of 
his marriage, Feb. 21, 1887. Mr. Mahoney pur- 
chased his present residence, 19 Linden Street. 
He married Miss Elizabeth M. Sullivan and they 
have two daughters, Alice Elizabeth, and Mary 
Theresa. Mr. Mahoney is a member of Winthrop 
Council. R. A., and the South Boston Citizens' 
Association, and has frequently served on various 
important committees of the latter. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



531 



JOSEPH P. MANNING, of McGrcenery cV: Mannin<j. wholesale dealers in ii«ars, tobacco and 
pipes, is a splendid representative of South Boston's self-made youni,' men. From the position 
of oflice boy at $3 a week he has advanced until he is one of "the proprietors of the largest 
cigar and tobacco house in New Kngland. doing a business of $3.^00,000 a \ear. He was born in 
the county of Gahvay, Ire., Jan 8, 1867, his parents being 
John and Ellen ( Dolan) Manning. With his parents he came 
to this country and settled in South Boston in 1871, attended 
the Mather School and graduated from the Lawrence School 
in i88i. 

Leaving school June 28, 18S1, the following day he entered 
the employ of James Qiiinn, tobacco and cigar dealer at 294 
Federal Street (which portion of the street is now abolished.) 
He started in as office boy, doing chores and running errands. 
The work of an oflice boy was far trom being easy and his 
hours were from 8 a. m. to 9 p m. He soon showed his 
ability and willingness to work and was given a position as 
salesman and, in 1895, he went in with Mr. (.^linn as an 
equal partner, having a half interest in the business. In 1S97 
the firm moved its business to Milk Street, retaining the firm 
name of James Qiiinn & Co. In January, 1899, Mr. (j^iinn 
retired and Mr. Manning formed a partnership with 
McGreenery Bros., the second largest tobacco and cigar 
dealers in New England, located on Hanover Street, and 
the new firm of McGreenery Bros. & Manning continued 
on Hanover Street until August. 1901, when Joseph Mc- 
Greenery retired, and there McGreenery \; Manning con- 
tinued until November, 1902, when they removed to their 
present large establishment occupying the building at 24 
Fulton Street, corner of Cross Street. They are in the list 
of Boston's biggest tax-payers and their customers include a 

majority of the retailers throughout New England. Mr. Manning, in 1900. married Miss Kalherine 
M. O'Donnell of South Boston, and they, with their daughter, Mildred, reside at 51 HumhoUh .\ve., 
Dorchester. Mr. Manning is a member of the Catholic Tnion. 




DR. JOHN E. M.\^ERS. physician, was born 
in South Boston in 1877, ami is a son of 
Thomas F. and Margaret A. Mayers. He 
recei^■ed his early education in the public schools 
of this district, 
graduating from the 
Bigelow Grammar 
ScJTool in 1892. 1 le 
then entered Boston 
Latin School. where 
he remained about 
I h ree _\' e a r s a n d 
then entered Tufts 
Medical School. He 
took the full course 
and ret'eised his 
degree of M. D. in 
the \ear 1898. 

Before beginning 
active practice he 
passed through a 
most extensive and 
thorough hospital 
coiu"se both in Boston and in Philadelphia, 
during which time he was on the staff of Carney 
Hospital of this district, the Boston City Hospi- 
tal and the Children's Hospital of IJoston and 
the Pennsylvania Hospital of Philadelphia. Penn. 
Dr. Mayers resides at 187 K Street. ha\ ing an 
office there and also at 749 East Broadway. Ik- 
is a member of Pere jNIarquette Council, of the 
Knights of Columbus, and has always mani- 
fested an interest in the welfare of the district. 




WILLI.VM MARTIN, roofer. \'alc Street, is 
a son of (jeorge and Elizabeth Martin, 
and was born in Aberdeen. Scotland. 
When quite young he came to the I'nited States, 
his relatives set- 
tling in South Bos- 
ton in 1879. He 
attended the Lin- 
coln School ami 
later entered the 
rooting b u s i n e s s 
with his father, 
shortly after which 
he entered the busi- 
ness for himself. 
He joined the Bos- 
ton Fire Depart- 
ment, Sept.. 1S92. 
and was discharged 
at his request in 
1897. From 1889 
to 1S92 he served 
as a non-commis- 
sioned otiicer in Co. I. 9th Mass. Regt. In 189S 
he was elected to the Common Coimcil by the 
Democrats of Ward 15 and also in 1899. He is 
a member of Bethesda Lodge. I. O. O. F.. Far- 
ragut Lodge. A. O. U. W.. Boston Caledonian 
Club. South Boston Conclave. I. O. H., and 
Slrandwav Boat Club. He married Miss Cath- 
erine Mckenzie in 1892 and they reside at 360 
E. Eighth St.. with their family, Catherine, 
Marion, William, Margaret, Isabelle and Esther. 




S3^ 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



TTON.JOHNB. MARTIN, commissioner of 
penal institutions, a son of Francis and 
Margaret Martin, was born in South 
Boston and has ahvays resided in the district. 
He received his education in pulilic and pri\ate 
schools, having at one time been a pupil at the 
Lawrence School. He began his business train- 
ing in the establishment of w^hich he is now 
proprietor at 54 and 56 Broad Street, Boston, 
where he conducts an extensive business in both 
the manufacture and sale of extracts, coloiMngs 
and medicinal preparations. 

As a public man, Mr. Martin is \\c\l known. 
From the time he first re- 
presented South Boston in 
public office up to the pre- 
sent time he has been an 
unceasing and able work- 
er for this district and 
his efforts have been in- 
strumental in securing for 
South Boston many im- 
provements, the people 
in retiu^n giving hiin 
their hearty support ^\ith 
the result that he was 
finally elected to the 
vipper branch of the Mass- 
achusettsLegislature. His 
interest has continued to 
be active for South Boston 
and when he retiu-ned to 
private life he did not 
■cease to give his time and 
labor for this district as 
his career in the South 
Boston Citizens' Asso- 
ciation, both as a member 
and later as its president, 
testifies. 

Jn 1870 he became a member of the Demo- 
xratic Ward and City Committee, was made its 
secretary and served as such during 1870, 1871 
and 1872. In the latter year he was elected to the 
Common Council from Ward 7, (now Ward 13) 
and was re-elected the two succeeding years. In 
1875, he was again honored by the voters of 
Ward 7, who elected him a member of the 
Massachusetts House of Representatives. In 
1876 he was tendered a renomination but de- 
clined to accept. Again in 1878, he was honored 
by being elected a member of the Massachusetts 
Senate and the honor was once more conferred 
upon him in iSSo. 




HON. J(JHN B. MARTIN 



He was selected a member of [the Board of 
Directors of Public Institutions in 1880 and 
served on that board until 1888, being president 
during the latter year. Mr. Martin has always 
been a staunch advocate of Democracy and has 
always given his support to that party. In 
1902, under Mayor P. A. Collins' administration, 
he was appointed to his present position of 
commissioner of penal institutions. 

For several years Mr. Martin has been a mem- 
ber of the South Boston Citizens' Association and 
has always been active in its interests and ever 
for the welfare of South Boston. His excellent 
work so commended him 
to his fellow members 
that he was elected presi- 
dent of the association 
in 1894 and was re-elected 
each succeeding year until 
1900, serving six consecu- 
tive \ears. During thi.s 
time nian_\- improvements 
were made, or com- 
menced, in South Boston, 
notably the building of 
the Strandway, selection 
of site and erection of the 
first high school in South 
Boston, removal of the 
House of Correction, 
agitation for \\ hich began 
in 1845, and its abandon- 
ment as a prison accom- 
plished in 1902, the public 
observance of Evacuation 
Day and the extension of 
Atlantic Avenue to South 
Boston. In 1S98 the mem- 
bers of the Association, 
and residents of the dis- 
trict tendered Mr. Martin a banquet and pre- 
sented him a handsome loving cup. Among 
the other organizations of which he is a mem- 
ber are : City Point Lodge, Knights of Honor, 
Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, Clover Club, 
Boston Athletic Association, Charitable Irish 
Society and the Knights of Columbus. He is also 
president of the South Boston Building Associa- 
tion, having been elected as its first presiding 
officer and has been re-elected each _year since 
then. He is also a member of the Lawrence 
School Association. Mr. Martin resides at 762 
East Fourth Street, with his children, Margaret, 
John B., P'rancis X. and Arthur L. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



S33 



TOHN McCaffrey, deceased, tor thirty 
J \ears engaged in the undertaking business, 
was born in Ireland, Oct. 3, 1829, ot Chris- 
topher and Margaret ( Drnnini) McCattrey. He 
graduated from the 
National School, 
and then worked as 
bank clerk. 1 1 e 
came to this coun- 
try and moved to 
South Boston in 
1854. He entered 
the employ of E. E. 
Rice, dye stuffs and 
chemicals, as ship- 
per, remaining for 
18 years, and, Feb. 
26, 1872, entered 
the undertaking 
business at 75 W- 
bany St., Avhich is 
still successfully 
conducted by his 
son. Christopher P. He was for many years 
sexton of St. James Church, president of the 
American Hibernians of South Boston, com- 
mander of the Knights of St. Patrick, and a 
member of St. \'incent de Paul's Society. Mr. 
and Mrs. McCaffrey had live children of whom 
Mary, Edward W.", Christopher P., and Sarah 
are "now living. Mr. McCaffrey died at 131 1 
St., March 16, 1901. Mrs. McCaffrey lives in 
Dorchester. 




DR. STEPHEN D. McCarthy, dentist, is 
a son of Cornelius II. and Johannr. Mc- 
Carthy and was born in South Boston, 
July 14, 1870. He attended tiie public schools 
of this district and 
graduated from the 
Bitrelow School in 
18S5. He was em- 
ployed in a whole- 
sale dry g o o li s 
house and then the 
Boston Electric 
Light Companv. 
Continuing his 
studies, he passed 
the civil service ex- 
amination and be- 
caine a railway mail 
clerk and was in 
charge of the first 
mail car that came 
to South Boston. 
He attended the 

Evening High School ami then began the study 
of dentistry at Harvard in 1S99, finished the 
course and passed the State Board in 1901. He 
is a member of Robert Fulton Council K. of C, 
Railway Mai! Mutual Benefit Ass'n., Bo>ton P. 
O. Clerk's Ass'n.. and the Federal Penny Aid 
Society. He married Miss Mary C. Leary in 
1897 and they have three children, Leo Joseph, 
Mary Agatha and Florence. Dr. McCarthy's 
Office is at 757 Broadwa\-. 




R(^BERT McDEVITT, whose demise. April 
2Sth, 1902. removed from South Boston 
one of its oldest and most philanthropic 
citizens, had been a resident of this district for 
about 50 years. He 
was born in Cole- 
raine, Ire., and 
came to the I'nited 
States in 1846. He 
first settled in 
Brooklyn, N.Y.. but 
shortly afterward 
came to Boston. 
-ettling in this dis- 
trict, where he en- 
gaged in the bakers- 
business. 

For more than 40 
vears he conducted 
the most extensive 
wholesale bakery 
business in or about 
Boston. In 1851 
he married Miss Jane McClusky. He repre- 
sented Ward 7, (now Ward 13), in the Common 
Council, in the late sixties, was one of the orig- 
inators of the Home for Destitute Catholic 
Children, and for many years ^vas one of its 
directors. He retired from the bakery bvisiness 
in 1892, and from that time up to his death, 
operated extensively in real estate, particularly 
in South Boston. He died at his residence. 507 
East Broadsvay, April 25, 1902. 




T^DW.VRD FRANCIS McCJRADY was born 
-*--' in Jersey City, N J., Jan. 22, 1875, his par- 
ents being James and Jane McGrady. He 
came to South Boston when six months old, and 
received his educa- 
tion here, being a 
graduate of the 
Lawrence School, 
and the Boston 
Evening High 
School. 

After leaving 
school he entered 
the employ ot 
the S. C. Devlin 
banking house, aiui 
later entered the 
employ of the 
Boston Herald. He 
is at present con- 
nected w i t h the 
Boston Advertiser 
aspressman. Coun 

cilmaii Mc(iradv mariied Miss Mary J. (irilHn. 
Tliev have three children, .Mary, Marguerite and 
Edward. He resides at 254 West Broadway. He 
was elected to the Common Council for 1902. 

Councilman McCirady is a member of the 
Ward 13 Committee, president of the Josiah 
(.^lincy Club, of Ward 13, and a member of 
Boston Web Pressmen's L'nion No. 3, Interna- 
tional Printing Pressmen's Union of North 
America, and the Lawrence School Association. 





HON. WILLIAM SARSFIELI) McNAKY. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



535 



TTON. WILLIxVM SARSFIKLD McNARV. 
■*■ '- who for many years has been prominently 
identified with South Boston, is not only well 
known here, but throughout the state as well. 
He is a son of Timothy and Mary McXary, and 
was born in the town of Abington, Mass., 
March 29, 1S63. The early years of his life 
were spent in his native place, and there he re- 
ceived his first teaching, being a pupil of the 
public schools of that town. 

When he was twelve years old. his parents 
moved to South Boston, and here he entered the 
Lawrence Grammar School, to resume his 
studies, graduating two years later with the class 
of 1877, at the age of 14 years. His grammar 
school studies completed, he then entered the 
English High School, from which institution of 
learning he graduated three years later, his pro- 
ficiencv as an English scholar winning for him 
a Franklin medal, his mark in English studies 
surpassing all others for twenty years. 

This concluded his school education, and in 
1S80 he entered the field of journalism, securing 
a position on the Commercial Bulletin, as a re- 
porter. Here his proficiency in his studies 
proved of great benefit to him, and having a 
natural aptitude for newspaper work, his ability 
was promptly recognized. From time to lime 
his position was advanced, until finally he be- 
came managing editor, which position he kekl 
during 18S9 and 1890. 

He had not confined himself to newspaper 
work alone however, for in the meantime he 
had become deeply interested in political mat- 
ters, and when he reached his majority, in 1884, 
he took the stump for the Democratic State 
Committee, during the Cleveland campaign of 
that year. In 1S85, he entered the political 
field as a Democratic candidate for Common 
Council in Ward 15, and was elected by a large 
vote. In 1886 he was a candidate for re-election 
and was successful. 

It was not long before he became the recog- 
nized leader in Ward 15. He next became a 
candidate for the Massachusetts House of Rep- 
resentatives from this ward, and was elected, 
serving during 18S9. In the fall of that year he 
was again a candidate, and was re-elected, serv- 
ing in 1890. In that year he was nominated for 
the Massachusetts State Senate and was elected, 
serving South Boston in that body, during 1891. 
He was later re-elected, and served again in 
1892. At the conclusion of his term as repre- 
sentative, he again gave his attention to news- 



paper work, becoming part owner of the Boston 
Democrat, in which he was interested until 
1893. He was nominated for Congress in 1892, 
in the 13th Dist., but owing to a serious division 
in the Boston Democracy he was not elected. 

In that year he was appointed water com- 
missioner of the city of Boston, which position 
he held during 1893 and 1894, resigning in the 
latter year to stand as a candidate for Congress, 
but again there was a lack of concerted action 
in the Democratic ranks and the Republican 
candidate won. In 1S92 and 1896, Mr. McN'ary 
served as alternate to the Democratic National 
Convention. He served as secretary to the 
Democratic State Committ-ee during 1898, 1899 
and 1900. In 1900 he was a delegate at large to 
the Democratic National Convention, and, that 
same year, served in the Massachusetts House of 
Representatives from Ward 15, and was re- 
elected for 1901 and 1902. In 1901 he was also 
elected chairman of the Democratic State Com- 
mittee, being re-elected to that important posi- 
tion for the years 1902 and 1903, during which 
time he conducted the campaigns of Hon. 
William A. Gaston, for governor. In 1902 he 
was elected to Congress from the Tenth district, 
succeeding Congressman Henry F. Naphen. 
From 1896 on Mr. McNary was engaged in the 
insurance business. 

During his long political career in South 
Boston Mr. McNary has taken a prominent part 
in manv of the important campaigns of the city, 
state and nation. In 1896 and 1900 he was one 
of the most earnest and vigorous workers in the 
presidential campaigns and was a close and per- 
sonal adviser to Hon. William Jennings Bryan, 
the Democratic nominee. He has easily held 
the position of South Boston's most influential 
citizen, and has a national reputation as an 
orator and a ready debater on the leading ques- 
tions of the day. 

Mr. McNary was married to Miss Albertine A. 
Martin, and they reside, with their daughter 
Helen, and son, 'William S., Jr., at 167 K Street. 
He is a member of South Boston Citizen's 
Association, St. Augustine's Lyceum, Boston 
Press Club, City Point Catholic Association, 
Young Men's Catholic Association of Boston 
College. South Boston Council and National 
Board' of Directors, of the Knights of Columbus, 
Charitable Irish Society, Ancient Order of 
Hibernians, St. James Court, M. C. O. F., Mt. 
Washington Lodge, A. O. U. W., and other 
oriranizations. 



S3^ 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



HON. JEREMIAH J. McNAMARA, member of the Governor's Council and prominent in poli- 
tical affairs of the district, especiallj' in Ward 13, was born in Boston, on old Fort Hill, Dec. 
5, i86_|, and became a resident of South Boston when but five years of age. His parents were 
John McNamara, well known throughout the city, who died in 1902, and Marv (Cunningham) 

McNamara. The subject of this sketch at "first attended the 
old Boylston School on Fort Hill and, when he had moved 
to the peninsula district, he attended the old Mather School, 
graduated from the Lawrence School in 187S and then at- 
tended the English High School. 

After leaving school he took to the printing business, 
working for five years for Rockwell i^ Churchill, three vears 
for the Rand, Avery Co. and for eightyears for Alfred Mudge. 
He then embarked in the liquor business, which he has con- 
ducted ever since, now being located at 303 West Broadway, 
and is counted among South Boston's solid business men. 

Ever interested in public affairs and taking naturally to 
the subject of politics, always a sterling Democrat, he launched 
out into political life, participated in many of the early and 
famous contests of old Ward 13, and in 1SS9 was elected to 
the House of Representatives, serving in the years 1S90 and 
1S91, being a member of the committee on Harbors and Pub- 
lic Lands. In 1900 he was a candidate for the place on the 
Governor's Covmcil for the district, comprising the greater 
part of Boston, was elected and served in the years 1901, 
1902 and 1903, being re-elected for each of the two latter 
years by increased majorities. He has been chairman of the 
ward committee nine years and was a delegate to the Na- 
tional Convention in 1900. He is a member of the Shawmut 
Boat Club, Twenty-FMve Associates, Broadway Social Club, 
Wolfe Tones, Division 7. Ancient Order of Hibernians, 
and Acme Branch. Catholic Knights of America, of the latter of which he has been treasurer. 

In 1903 Mr. McNamara married Miss Margaret Burke of AUston, and they reside at 2-:,2 West 
Broadway. 




JAMES P. McSHANE, proprietor of the Peninsula Hotel, S55 East 6th St., the largest hotel in 
the district, was born in the old North End, Boston, March 3, 1862. His parents were Patrick 
and Bridget (Moran) McShane, both of whom are now associated with him in the hotel busi- 
ness. He attended the Mayhew and Phillips Schools. After leaving school he learned the mer- 
chant tailoring business with Rhodes iS: Ripley, 99 Suinmer 
St.. remaining from 1878 to 18S2. He then went into the 
business for himself at the corner of Harrison Ave. Exten- 
sion and Hay ward PI., continuing until 1889. 

In 1890 Mr. McShane removed to South Boston and im- 
inediately engaged in the restaurant and catering business at 
the corner of C St. and West Broadway. That was the 
second restfiurant of any pretensions ever conducted in South 
Boston. His business rapidly increased and he remained at 
this location until 1895 when he took the entire building 342 
and 344 West Broadway, between D and E Streets. It Mas 
named then and known thereafter as McShane's Hotel. 
Finding even this building too small for his extensive busi- 
ness, in May. 1S97. he took possession of what, up to then, was 
the famous Seaside Hovise at S55 East 6th St. Completely 
renovating and improving it he opened it as the Peninsula 
Hotel and has conducted it most successfully ever since; It 
is the nearest large seaside hotel to the city proper, has a fine 
cuisine, a specialty being made of fish dinners, and it com- 
mands a beautiful view of the harbor. 

Mr. McShane is a member of South Boston Conclave of 
the Improved Order of Heptasophs, King Solomon Lodge, of 
the Knights of Pythias, Boston Lodge of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, South Boston Yacht Club, Columbia" 
Yacht Club, the Red Men and the Trimount Athletic Club, 
of the latter of which he has been president since 1893. He 

has been ever interested in athletic sports and competed successfully in many contests. Mr. 
McShane married Miss Julia F. Callananof boston, they have four children, Blanche, Frank, Helen 
and Henry, and they reside at 18 Charles Street, city. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



537 



JOHN R. McHUGH, lawyer, at 475 West 
J Broadway, and 27 School Street, Boston, was 
born in Pitt>burg, Pa., Dec. 17, 1S76, and 
came to South Boston about three years later. 
He received his 
early education in 
the Lawrence 
Grammar School, 
f r o m which he 
graduated in 1S91. 
He then entered the 
English High 
School, graduating 
in 1894, after which 
he took the ad- 
vanced course. 
Concluding this he 
began the study of 
law, entering the 
Boston University 
Law School, after 
two years of study 
in the office of Hon. 
Henry F. Xaphen. He received his degree in 
1S99, and in July ot the same vear he was admit- 
ted to the Massachusetts Bar." Mr. McHugh is a 
member of the Twenty-Five Associates, Wolfe 
Tone Association of the Clan na-G;vls, Division 
57 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. James 
E. Hayes Council of the Knights of Coluinbus 
and SS. Peter and Paul's Court of the Massa- 
chusetts Catholic Order of F^oresters. He re- 
sides at i-:3 M Street. 




DAXIKL \'. McISAAC. lawyer, is a son of 
Alexander and lane (Rogers) Mclsaac. He 
was born in Pembroke, Me.. Nov. 6, 1S71, 
and came to South Boston. November ■^. 1884. 
After finishing his 
studies in the public 
schools, he entered 
the printing trade, 
tinallv be co m i n g 
foreman of one of 
the largest plants in 
the city. He en- 
tered Boston Uni- 
versitv La\\' School 
in 1895 and grati- 
uated with honor 
in 1898 and passed 
the bar examina- 
tion, after which he 
began the practiix- 
of law. his otVire 
being at .'7 School 
Street. lie re]i re- 
sented Ward 15 in the Common Council in 1897 
and 1898 and in the Legislature in 1899-1900. 
He married Miss Mary E. Luchini in 1899 and 
thev have two children. Charles F. and William 
A. Mclsaac. They reside at 381 Dorchester 
Street. He is a member of the Pere .Mart|uette 
Council of the Knights of Columbus. Ancient 
Order of Hibernians. Mosquito Fleet ^'acht 
Club, and \ice-president of the Democratic City 
Conimittee in 1903. 




JOHN J. MERRIGAN. editor and publisher of the South Boston News, was born in Boston, 

) Nov. 25, 1855. His parents were Peter and Mary Merrigan. and they moved to South Boston 

in 1856, and the subject of this sketch has been a resident of the peninsula district ever since. 

He attended the Mather School, the Lawrence School, and then, while beginning the battle of life, 

he continued his studies at the evening classes of the Boston 

Latin School. In fact, in his early boyhood, when attending 

the primar\- school, he worked as a newsboy, the income 

from this occupation aiding in his support, while he strug- 
gled for an education. 

Shortly after leaving school Mr. Merrigan worked for a 

short time at book-binding, intending to learn that trade, 

but at the end of a year he changed to the position of clerk 

for Thomas Strahan. proprietor of one of the largest wall 

paper establishments in New England. This, however, did 

not seem to be his vocation, and, tiring of it, at the end of a 

few years, he went to work for a large building firm, remain- 
ing three years. After quitting this latter occupation he fol- 
lowed a new line, that of advertising solicitor, and achieved 

remarkable success at it. During his early career in the ad- 
vertising business, he was political manager for Pres. Calvin 

A. Richards of the Metropolitan Street Railway Co. He 

took charge of the advertising department of one of the South 

Boston weeklies, and. in 1885, started the South Boston News 

and purchased it in 1886, and which he has published very 

successfully since then. He was manager for Hon. M. J. 

McEttrick's congressional campaign in 1892 and has been 

prominently identified with the campaigns of (iovs. William 

A. Gaston, "William E. Russell and Benjamin F. Butler, and 

his paper has ever been a factor in local campaigns. In the 

management of the News Mr. Merrigan has adopted and 

ever followed strict business principles. It is a trulv local paper, ever advocating the interests 

of the district and general welfare of the people. Mr. Merrigan is a single man and lives in this 

district. 




S3^ 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



ARTHUR F. MEANS, lawyer, was born on G Street, September i6, 1S57 of John Witham and 
Sophia Rumnej (VVells) >Ieans. He attended the Hawes, Lincoln and English High Schools, 
graduating from the Boston University Law School in 1878, and has practiced very success- 
fully ever since in Boston, among his important cases being the Amos Stone land suits, Hall- 

Newton-Benshimol sewer cases, Kingsbury-Boston-Burrill 
claim suit and others. He has been a member of the City 
Council, the Legislature, British Charitable, Scot's Charit- 
able and N. E. Hist'l. Gen. Societies and has written several 
articles on early Scotch-Irish Immigration to Maine, and the 
history of early Boston residents. He has been president of 
the Law School Alumni, the English High School Class of 
'74, and of improvement associations in Roxbury, Somerville 
and Duxbury, and was president of the British American 
Club, which succeeded the Park Club, which did much in 
bringing about a better feeling between the two nations. 

Equity Jurisprudence attracted the attention of Mr. Means 
after his admission to the Bar, and on the Judiciary Com- 
mittee of the Legislature he aided in the passage of the law 
which gave the Superior Court general equity jurisdiction. 
He studied law in the office of Hon. Charles T. Gallagher, 
and has been associated with the late William B. Whiting of 
New York and the late William B. Gale. In an important 
case, where Mr. Means secured judgment for his client. 
Judge Holmes said : ''Since I have been upon the bench I 
have never been so much assisted by counsel as I have been 
in this case.'" Of the students in his office there have been 
Asst. Dist. Atty. Sughrue, J. Porter Crosby, Clarence W. 
Rowley, John Slutsky Slater, and R. B. Hayes. 

Mr, Means married Miss Katie Allen Snow, has two chil- 
dren, Arthur F. Jr. and Robert Snow (the latter named for 
the late Robert F. Means,) and he now lives in Somerville and in summer at Duxbury. He is a 
member of Suffolk Council, R. A., Mt. Pleasant Lodge, I. O. O. F., St. Paul's Masonic Lodge, De 
Molay Commandery K. T. and Massachusetts Consistory 32. 




HARRY J. MEGHRAN, engaged in the real estate business, auctioneer, justice of the peace, 
appraiser, fire and life insurance agent and the placing of mortgages, was born in South 
Boston, September 25, 1872. His parents were Patrick T. and Mary A. (O'Neil) Meghran. 
His father was a long time resident of South Boston and his mother for many years a resident of 
old Fort Hill. He attended the primary school of the 
peninsula district and then the old Bigelow Grammar School, 
graduating from the latter in 1889. He finished his education 
in Comer's Commercial College attending the evening 
classes. 

After leaving college Mr. Meghran entered the emplov of 
John A. Devine, in the real estate and insurance business, as 
confidential clerk and financial agent, remaining with him 
until 1898. In the latter year Mr. Meghran went into the 
business for himself at his present location, 494 East Broad- 
way, and the following year opened an office, also, at 29S 
Bowdoin Street, Dorchester. 

In both offices Mr. Meghran carried on a large and 
lucrative business. He is the agent for the Mercantile In- 
surance Co. of Boston, the Palatine Co. of Manchester. Eng.. 
the Hamburg-Bremen Co. of Germany, the North German 
Co. of Hamburg, Germany, the Agricultural Co. of New 
York, the Home Insurance Co. of New York, the New York 
Plate Glass Insurance Co., the American Fire Insurance Co. 
of St. Louis, Mo., the National Insurance Co. of New York 
and the London Guarantee Accident Co. He also does an 
extensive business in the buying and selling of real estate, 
the care of real estate and the collection of rents. 

Mr. Meghran was married, in October, 1900, to Miss 
Margaret F. Heffren of Dorchester and they have one child, 
Margaret M. Meghran. Mr. Meghran lives at 509 East 

Broadway and is a member of the Pere Marquette Council of the Knights of Columbus of which 
organization he was, until recently, a trustee. A life long resident of Souih Boston, Mr. Meghran 
has always taken particular interest in public affairs. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



539 



JOSHUA MERRILL, oil manufacturer and 
merchant, may well be called the fatiier of 
the oil industry of the United States. To no 
other man is due more credit for the improve- 
ments in and scientific discoveries of illuminating 
and lubricating oils, than to Mr. Merrill. Born in 
Duxbury, Mass., Oct. 6, 1828, of Rev. Abraham 
Dow and Nancy (Morrison) Merrill, he began 
his studies in his native town and completed 
them in Lowell, Mass. At the age of 15 years 
he came to Boston, entering the employ of his 
elder brother in the manufacture of paper hang- 
ings. In 1853 he embarked in the oil business, 
selling lubricating oils for the United States 
Chemical Manufacturing 
Company of Waltham, 
Mass. About this time, 
also, he was acting as the 
introducer and seller of a 
coup oil manufactured bv 
Luther Atwood of the 
well known tirm of phar- 
maceutical manufacturing 
chemists, Philbrook cS: 
Atwood, and secured a 
large trade w ith the cotton 
mills and railroads, in- 
cluding the New York 
Central R. R., the'^Boston 
cS: Albany R. R., the 
Fitchburg R. R. and the 
Lowell R. R. This com- 
pany soon secured the 
confidence of Samuel 
Downer, a manufacturer 
of sperm, whale and lard 
oils, with the result that 
Mr. Downer purchased 
stock until he had secured 
entire control of the com- 
pany. The entire year of 

1856 Mr. Menill spent in Scotland with Mr. 
Atwood. The time was employed in building 
works and introducing the oil to the factories of 
Yorkshire and Lancashire, but mostly in 
Glasgow and Manchester. This was for George 
Miller & Co., who were permitted to introduce 
the process in that country. 

On returning from Europe, toward the latter 
part of 1856, Mr. Merrill and William Atwood, 
brother of Luther Atwood, engaged in extracting 
oil Irom Trinidad asphaltum, and this oil, with 
a patented burner of Col. Jones, was widely sold 
throughout the country, and the New York 




Kerosene Oil Company was soon started. Mr. 
Abram Gessner, who was at the head of the 
company, originated the word "kerosene," it 
being derived from two Greek words "keros" 
wax, and "sene" light, or wax-light. This corn- 
pan v and the Downer company- of South Boston 
for many years had the sole rights to the words 
"kei-osene." Before i860, the Downer company, 
largely through the aid of Mr. Merrill, suc- 
ceeded in distilling Albert coal, mined in New 
Brunswick, and excellent results were attained 
and soon there was a tremendous business in 
thisoil. 

In subsequent years Mr. Merrill was prom- 
inent in the discoveries of 
the benefits and utiliza- 
tion of petroleum oil, and 
hundreds of thousands of 
cases were shipped to all 
parts of the world. Mr. 
Merrill was the first man 
to use sulphuric acid and 
alkali as a deodorizing or 
bleaching agent on oils as 
a tinal process, making 
them tit for market. This 
was as early as 1857. By 
' w the merest accident, of a 

^^^^ piece of charcoal working 

^^■^^^■^^ the narrow part of 

J^^^^^^^l the condenser and clog- 

Ir H^^l ging it up, the discovery 

» ^^pan^^^ ^^^ ^ ^^^^ ^.j ^^^^ made. 

Mr. Merrill immediately 
experimented, with the 
result that in May, 1S69, 
there was patented by him 
a new apparatus for pro- 
ducing the oil and also a 
patent on the oil itself. 
Patents were also secured 
in Europe for Merrill's Odorless Lubricating 
Oil. In 1870 Mr. Merrill, after long and patient 
experimenting, assisted by his brother, Rufus S. 
Merrill, perfected an oil for illuminating pur- 
poses to which he gave the name Mineral Sperm 
Oil, which has been of incalculable benefit to 
the people of the United States. 

On the death of Mr. Downer, the entire plant 
in South Boston was purchased from the heirs 
by Mr. Merrill and his brother. This ownership 
continued many years. The firm now is Joshua 
Merrill & Son, 122 West First Street. Mr. 
Merrill is married and has four children. 



JOSHUA MERRILI 



540 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 





SERCT. JACOl; SCHWARIZ 

A bout 46 years In tlie U. S. army: veter- 
an of Mexican War; ordnance sergeant at 
Fort Wintln-oii; Died, Sept. 14, 1898. 



WILLIAM JOXE.S, U. S, N. 

Nearly r.O years in tlie U. S. navy, many 
years as boatswain: Popular yachtsman: 
Died May r>, iwd. 





I>R. SAMUEL G. HOWE 

Tile lirst. ;in<I for many years after. sni)er- 
intrndrnt of tlic Peikins Institution for the 
Blind. l»ii-(l in.lanuary 187<!. 



JOHN J. MCCLITSK.EY 

Well known basso; 20 years bass soloist 
of tlie Catliedral: Stauncli friend of Carney 
Ilosi)ital. Died April 8, IstU. 



W Ki.L K.NOWN RESIDENTS. NOW DECEASED. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



541 



CHARL?:S T- MEISSNER. painter, was born 
on High "Street, Fort Hill district, March 
2>, i866. his parents beinsj John G. and 
Tvlarv Sleissner. He attended the East Street 

l*riniary and a 
private school, and, 
after removing to 
South Boston, 
studied in the Lin- 
coln and later in 
the English High 
Schools. He served 
his apprenticeship 
as a painter -with 
Nat Howard, work- 
ing in many shops 
ot this city and 
elsewhere, a n d 
started in for him- 
self in the summer 
of 1S94 at 641 East 
4th Street, and, 
since May i. 1S99. 
has been in partnership with Frank R. Fitz- 
gerald at 666 East Bioadwa\ . Mr. Meissner is 
married, has three children. John, Carl and 
William, and lives at 313 Emerson Street. For 
several years he was affiliated with the National 
Master Painters' Association, on the executive 
board in 1S99. and was recording secretary of the 
local association. He is a member of the South 
Boston Citizens' Association and other local 
organizations. 




JOHN E. MEENAN, undertaker, was born in 
Roxbur}', Sept. 18, 1870, of John E. and 
Mary A. (Kelly) Meenan, attended the 
Dudley School, and came to South Boston in 
1886. He then en- 
tered the employ of 
James F. O'Don- 
ncU, remaining 
eight years, and 
then worked for 
Lewis W. Leary for 
eight years, thor- 
oughly learning the 
business, and in 
1902 he started in 
for himself at his 
present location. 
603 East Broadway, 
near 1 Street. He 
graduated from the 
Champion School 
of Embalming, tak- 
ing a double course. 

In 1900, he married Miss Jennette E. McDonald 
of South Boston. They have two children. 
Agnes E. and John E., and they live at 607 East 
Fourth Street. Mr. Meenan is financial secre- 
tary of Pere Marquette Council, K. of C, and a 
member of Div. 36, A. O. H. Among the bus- 
iness men of South Boston Mr. Meenan is held 
in high esteem and. during his nearly twenty 
vears residence here, he has taken an active in- 
terest in public affairs. 




JOSEPH H. >nLEY. wagon and carriage builder, is the proprietor of a business that has been con- 
ducted successfullv for "nearly fifty years. He was born in South Boston. April 12. 1S70, his 
parents being Thonias Milev and Bridget (Cassidy ) Miley. 1 le was educated in the Capen Prim- 
ary School, the Lincoln Gramiiiar School, and attended, for a time. Comer's Commercial College. 

Thomas Miley, the father of the subject of this sketch, a 
respected resident of South Boston for nearly half a century, 
was engaged in the building of wagons and carriages from 
1854, previous to that time working on the old busses, known 
as the "hourlies." From a small beginning he extended his 
business until he was one of the leading men in that line in 
the district. Throughout South Boston Mr. Miley was well 
and favorably known, an exemplary citizen, prominent and 
generous in charitable aftairs and truly zealous for the public 
welfare and a staimch admirer of South Boston. He died 
in December, 1893, and the esteem in which he was held was 
fully attested by the large gathering of well known South 
Boston residents and the many business men of the district, 
who attended the funeral. 

Joseph H. Miley, after leaving school, entered the employ 
ofhis father, and! on the latter's death, succeeded to the bus- 
iness. In 1854. and for many years afterward, this establish- 
ment and one other had all the business in the district. Now 
there are five such establishments. Mr. Miley's business is 
located at 517 and 519 East Second Street, and so extensive 
is it, that it occupies much of the property north of Third 
Street, near Dorchester Street. 

In 1S92 Mr. Miley married Miss Elizabeth V. Mullen, of 
South Boston and they have six children, Elizabeth. Kath- 
erine, Frances, Mary. Joseph and Thomas. They live at 22 
Morrill Street, Dorchester. Mr. Milev is a member of Win- 

throp Council, 538, of the Royal Arcanum, the Carriage and Wagon Builders' Association and 
South Boston CUizens' Association. In all of these organization> 
interest. 




Mr. Milev takes an active 



542 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON 



ROBERT J. MILLER, awning, tent and Flag 
inanutacturer. a former resident of South 
Boston, was born on Fifth Street, Septem- 
ber 3, 1853 of Robert and Anastasia (Kennedy) 
Miller. He attend- 
ed the M a t h e r 
School, graduating 
from the Lawrence 
S c h o o 1 i n 1 S69 
a n d from the 
English High 
School- in 1S73. 
Following the busi- 
ness of his father 
he has for many 
years been engaged 
in the manufacture 
of awnings, tents 
and tlags, at 230 
State St., Boston. 
The business was 
established by the 
senior Miller in 
1847. and Robert J. took it up in 1875, and, 
since 1S81, when Mr. Miller, Sr., died, has con- 
tinued it. The business has been made, by Mr. 
Miller, very extensive, and he has a wide repu- 
tation for interior and exterior decorating. At 
the time of the dedication of the Dorchester 
Heights monument March 17, 190::, Mr. Miller 
did much of the decorating in South Boston. 
Mr. Miller married Georgiana Hastings and they 
live at 28 Edson St., Dorchester. 




TOIIN E. L. MONAGHAN. one of the prom- 
J inent young men of South Boston, was born 
in Oldham, England. Feb. 20, 1877. His 
parents were Michael J. Monaghan and Julia 
(Devanney) Mon- 
aghan. When but 
three years of age 
young Monaghan, 
with his parents, 
crossed the Atlantic 
and made their 
home in South 
Boston. He atten- 
ded the Cyrus Algei 
and graduated 
from the Lawrence 
School in 1S90, and 
from the English 
High School in 
1893. For a short 
time he worked at 
the dry goods busi- 
ness, then in the 

post office, and studied law to obtain a general 
legal knowledge, and now works for a building 
concern, and is a student of civil engineering 
at the Institute of Technology, having won 
a scholarship through proficiency in his studies. 
He lives at 319 West Fourth St. He married 
Miss Mary A. Kerns. Mr. Monaghan repres- 
ented Ward 13 in the Common Council of 1900 
and 1901, and is a member of Div. 32, A. O. H. 
and the Pickwick Club. 




JOHN P. MORGAN, grocer, is a native of 
South Boston, having been Ijorn in this dis- 
trict, Aug. 14, 1S68. His parents were John 
and Margaret Morgan, well known residents of 

the peninsula. He 
attended the prim- 
ary school and was 
graduated from the 
Bigelow Grammar 
School on West 
Fourth Street. 
After leaving school 
he went to work for 
Barnabas Eldredge, 
dry goods dealer at 
the corner of D 
Street and West 
Broadwav, where 
he remained for ten 
years ar.d then went 
into the grocery 
business on his own 
account in 1S93. 
Mr. Morgan is one of South Boston's self-made 
men and now enjoys a large and lucrative busi- 
ness. He is located at the corner of E and West 
Third Streets. Mr. Morgan is a member of the 
South Boston Citizens' Association, the Holy 
Name Club of St, \'incent's Church, and also 
of the South Boston Council of the Knights of 
Columbus. In 1900 he married Miss Kalherine 
G. Havnes, also of South Boston, and they live 
at 120 K Street. 




WILLIAM F. MULCAHY, clothier, was 
born in Rathcormac, County Cork, Ire., 
Feb. 2, 1834. He attended school in his 
native town until 1S4S, when he came to Boston. 
In i860, he went to 
Marlboro, Mass., 
where he completed 
his school life, 
worked in a shoe 
factory, and, i n 
1858, together wiih 
his brother, en- 
gaged in the manu- 
facture of children's 
and misses' shoes. 
In i860, he removed 
to Boston, engag- 
ing in the retail boot 
and shoe trade on 
Federal .St., contin- 
uing in that busi- 
ness until the great 
fire of 1S72, when 
he was burned out. From that time he has 
been in the retail clothing business, and is at 
present engaged in that, with his son, at 30 
Broadway. He has lived in South Boston since 
i860, excepting four years when he was in 
Rochester, N. 11. Mr. Mulcahy was married in 
South Boston in 1S63, to Annie A. Gleeson, and 
has two daughters and one son. One of his 
daughters is a teacher in the South Boston High 
School. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



543 



M 



ATTHEW J. MULLEN, undertaker, was horn in South Boston, in old SS. Peter and Paul's 
parish, ot John and Margaret Mullen, who came to South Boston in 1828. He attended the 
Lawrence School when >rasters Hardon and Stearns were in charge and graduated in 1S64. 

a pupil ot Miss Margaret A. Moodv who 



While attending the Lawrence School he was, tor 
was held in high esteem by all her pupils and 



, time, 
ho re- 
mained a teacher until 1892. After leavitig school he 
worked for William I^. Brown, dealer in fancv goods on 
Washington Street, for three years, and then for the pub- 
lishing house of Johnson. Frve ^ Co. on Bromfield Street, 
for many vears. In 1876 he started in as an undertaker 
at the same place where he is now located. 650 East Broad- 
way, and during all those years he has Innieti many of 
the prominent residents of South Boston. 

During his quarter of a century of business in this sec- 
tion Mr. Mullen has interested himself in many public 
matters for the good and welfare of the people of the dis- 
trict. He was a member of the Board of Oyerseers of the 
Poor for three years and until 1900. haying been appoin- 
ted by Mayor Qiiincy. and he has been administrator of 
many estates. Mr. Mullen has e\er manifested a deep 
interest in the Carney Hospital and has seryed on its 
committees for many years. For thirty years he has been 
a member of the choir of the Gate of Hea\en Chvnx'h. and 
is a member of the Gate of Heayen Conference of the St. 
^'incent de Paul Society, the Massachusetts I'ndertakers" 
Association and a member of the Executive Connnittee. 
the Massachusetts Social Club, (jarfield Coimcil of the 
American Legion of Honor, of which he was one of the 
charter members. Lawrence School Alumni Association. 
South Boston Building Association. South ]5oston Citi- 
zen's Association and St. Augustine's Cemetery lmpro\e- 

ment Association. He enjoys a large and extensive acquaintance throughout Boston and ha- 
real estate interests in South Boston. Mr. Mullen lives at 6:;o E. Broadway. 




THOMAS A. MULLEN, lawyer, for many 
years a resident of this district, was born in 
South Boston, June 10, 1862. His father, 
Edward Mullen, lived in the district sixty years. 
Educated in the 
Lawience School, 
he graduated from 
the Boston Latin 
School in 1S80. a 
Franklin m e d a 1 
scholar, took the 
academic course at 
Harvard, graduat- 
ing in 1SS4 with 
highest honors. 
From 1885 to 1S93, 
he was a teacher in 
the Boston Latin 
School, enjoying 
the distincfion of 
being the youngest 
teacher in that 
school since i t s 
foundation in 1635. He entered the Harvard 
Law School, finishing a three years' course in 
two years, graduating in 1S95. In 1896 he was 
appointed private secretary to Mayor Josiah 
Qiiincv of Boston, which position he held until 
1S98, when he was made assistant city solicitor. 
He has an extensive law practice, anci is a mem- 
ber of many leading organizations. In 1S91, he 
married Miss Mary Louise Qiiigley, has two 
children, and they live on Aberdeen Road. 




MICH.\EL J. MURRAY, a proprietor oi 
Brigham's Hotel. 642 and 644 Washington 
St., born in South Boston, July 11, i860, 
of Michael and Margaret Murray, attended the 
Lawrence an d 
Boston Latin 
Schools. He work- 
ed at the clothing, 
and then the insur- 
ance business. then, 
in 18S9, for the city 
engineer in the 
construction of im- 
proved sewerage, 
in 1890. the western 
division of the 
water works de- 
partment, in 1 89 1. 
in the superintend- 
ent of streets otTice, 
and from 1S92 to 
1900, was chief 
clerk of the sani- 
tary division and civil service clerk for the street 
department. In 1900, he bought the famous 
Brigham's Hotel, which he has conducted ever 
since. He married Miss Mary E. Sullivan, has 
six children. Thomas U., Michael J., Jr., George 
D.. Marv A.. Margaret and Norman, and they 
live at 7 Grace St., Ashmont. He is a member 
of the Royal Arcanum, the Workmen, the Hep- 
tasophs, Knights of Columbus, Boston College 
Asso., Catholic Union and Clover Club. 




544 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



DR. PATRICK MORRIS, who died Nov. lo, 1S97, was one of the oldest druggists in Boston, 
having first entered the business in Roscommon, Ire., his native place, in 1S41, with Dr. John 
Burke, uncle of the famous Dominican preacher, Rev. Thomas Burke. Arriving in this 
country he entered the employ of Dr. Sharkey, in the same business, at the corner of Federal and 

Purchase Streets, and in 1S50 he opened a place for himself. Daniel 
Webster. Rufus Choate, Edward Everett and Dr. Hyndman were cus- 
tomers and close friends of his. Dr. Morris was burned out in the 
big fire of 1S72 and he then moved to the corner of Federal and 
Kneeland Streets, and, in 18S4, he established a branch store at 141 1 
Washington Street, where he continued until his death. Three 
(iaughters and four sons survived him, the latter being Dr. John G. 
Morris, Dr. George P. Morris, Robert E. Morris and Charles H. Morris. 
DR. GEORGE P. MORRIS, physician at 702 East Broadway, is a 
son of Patrick and Marv (Gavin) Morris. He received his early educa- 
tion in the public schools of this district, graduating from the Lincoln 
(irammar School. After finishing his studies there he entered the 
Hoston Latin School, where he took the regular course of study. After 
finishing there, he then entered Harvard College, and graduated from 
that institution with the degree of A. B. Later he began the study of 
medicine at the Harvard Medical School, and finished the course in 
1S91, receiving the degree of doctor of medicine. Shortly after this 
he became established, and has been practicing medicine since that 
time. Dr. Morris is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. 
DR JOHN G. MORRIS, physician at 97 West Broadway, was born 
in Boston. He received his early education in the Lincoln Grammar 
School and the Boston Latin School. Concluding his studies at the latter institution, he en- 
tered Harvard College, and, after receiving the degree of A. B., he entered the Harvard Medical 
School, and received his degree of doctor of medicine. He then began the practice of medicine in 
South Boston, in which he has been very successful. Dr. Morris has been visiting physician to St. 
Elizabeth's Hospital, Boston, for over "twelve years. He is a member of the American Medical 
Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Suffolk District Medical Society. He is 
also medical examiner for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. He resides 
at 97 West Broadway. 




DR. GEORGE P. MORRIS. 



JOSEPH HENRY S. NEWTON, produce merchant, is associated with his brother, William L. 
Newton. He was born in Roxbury, Dec. 30, 1S7S, of Joseph H. and Theresa J. (Dunn) 
Newton. Coming to South Boston in iSSo, he was educated in the Bigelow School and 
attended the Evening High School. He first worked for the Boston Stock Exchange as a messen- 
ger and finally as a clerk, but resigned, 
after eight years service, to enter the 
produce business. He is a member of 
South Boston Council of the Knights of 
Columbus, Lady of the Rosary Court. C. 
O. F., Broadway Associates, and the 
Boston Pedlers' Protective Association. 
He resides at 260B West Broadvvav. 

WILLIAM L. NEWTON, "produce 
merchant, and councilman in 1903. was 
born in South Boston, Feb. 27, 1881, of 
Joseph H. and TheresaJ. (Dunn) Newton. 
He attended the Bigelow Grammar School, 
graduating in 1894, and then attended the 
Evening High School. He first worked 
for Clarence Hallett, stationer, during the 
early morning, and late afternoon and 
evening outside of school hours, and 
also worked three years for the Boston 
Stock Exchange. In 1898 he entered bus- 
iness for himself as a produce merchant, 

and in 1S99 formed a partnership with his brother, Joseph. The business has rapidly increased, and 
they now have five horses and five teams. In the fall of 1902, but a few months after becoming of 
age, the subject of this sketch was elected to the Common Council from Ward 13, after one of the 
most interesting and vigorous campaigns ever waged in the district. He served in that body in 1903. 
He is a member of Robert Fulton Council, of the Knights of Columbus (of which he is lecturer). 
Division 60. A. O. H., Young Men's Lyceum, (a past president), Broadway Associates, Pickwick 
•Club, Ladv of the Rosarv Court. C. O, F., Holy Name Club of St. Vincent's Church, and the 
Boston Pedlers' Protective" Association. He lives "with his mother at 260B West Broadway. 




JOS. H. S. NEWTON. 



WM. L. NEWTON. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



545 





HON. PATRICK. A COLLINS 

Mayor of Boston, 190-J-190:} : stiuted political 
caret'V ii> Soutli Boston, wliicli was many years 
Ills honit' : now a rt'sidcut (if Briuhton. 



JUDGE JOSEPH 1). I'ALLOX 

Presidinfi Justice of tlie Municii)al Coiiit since 
1893; earnest advocate and vigorous sujiporter 
of matters in tlie interest of I lie district. 





BERNARD JENNEY 

President of tlie Jenney ."Manufacturing Co.; 
A resident of Soutli Boston since l.^'ST: i>ublic 
spirited and highly esteemed by all. 



MICHAEL ANAGNOS 

Successor to Dr. Howe as Superintendent of 
the Perkins Institution for the Blind, aud Secre- 
tarv of the Board of Trustees. 



WELL KNOWN cmZENS. 




HON. HENRY F. NAPHEN. 



HIS'JORV OP' SOlTll B()ST(^\ 547 

TTON. 111;NR\' 1". NAPIII^X. lawver and an ■ intcrforciuc to na\ i^^ation ". Congressman 

congressman from the loth Massachusetts Xaphen bron^ht forth sull'icient ar>,niment and 

l^istrict 1899 to 1903, was liorn in Jrehmd. intluence to reconsider such action and the order 

August 14. 185J. of John and Jane (Henry) was issued to proceed witii the bridge. It was 

Naphen and. in his infani\ . came to Lowell. through his work in Congress, also, that the 

with his jiarenls. He was educated in the a]-)]n()priation \\a>. secured for the large steam 

public schools. After a course at llarxard. as launch for 1 he life saxing slat ion. This station, 

resident bachelor, he studied law in the llar\ard since its establishment in 1896. liad given re- 

and Boston Universities and ^^as admittetl to the peated e\ idences of its great \alue and necessity. 

Suffolk h-AV in Xovember, 1S79, after a final There were times, however, when it was found 

coiu^se in the otVice of Burbank \; Luutl. Con- that the small naptlia launches ^\ere of but little 

gressman Xaphen occupies a high jio^ition use in hea\ \' storms or for heavy service. The 

among the lawyers of Suffolk County and has a matter w as brought to the attention of Congress- 

widc and extensive practice. man Xaphen. and he, against some little oppo- 

I'roni tile time of his renio\al to South sition. succeeded in getting an appropriation for 

Boston. Mr. Xaphen has l)een identitied with its the steam launch •"Relief," wliich was ever 

interests, and. ever a sterling Democrat, he allied afterward in use. 

himself \\\\h that partv and fought Avith it in Renominatetl bv his party in 1900. Congress- 
man\ battles, before he would accept public man Xa}>hen x\ as re-elected by a majority of more 
otVice himself. lie was elected to the School than 7200 \otes, a remarkable victory, placing 
Board in 1882 for a three years' term, and in 1885 the district in the Denujcratic column \vithout 
and 1886 he rejiresented the fifth Suffolk Dis- a doubt. Congressman Naphen continued his 
trict, (South Boston.) in the State Senate, thus good ser\ ice during his second term, but, owing 
being obliged to decline a reelection to the to tlie tremendous increase of his law business, 
School Board. In the Senate, as in the School in the fall of 1902 he \yas obliged to refuse a re- 
Board, Mr. Naphen did magniticent work nomination for a third term. Mr. Naphen is 
ad\'ocating and securing much important legis- vigorous and earnest in liebate and in the halls 
laticni. of Congress his voice \yas frequently heard in 

In 1898, having received the Democratic nom- supjiort and for the public good, 

ination for Congress in the loth Massachusetts Mr. Xaphen is a member of the Boston 

District, he was triumphantly elected. Tlie dis- Athletic .\>sociation, the Boston Press Club, the 

trict. then, was somewhat in doubt as to whether University Club, the Old Dorchester Club, the 

it was Democratic or Republican, and by some Democratic Club of New York, Boston Lodge 

it was considered a Republican stronghold 10 Beneyolent and Protective Order of Elks, 

because previously repre-entetl by one of that Orpheus Musical Society, City Point Catholic 

political faith. Throughout his llr>t term in Association, Charitable Irish Society. Catholic 

Congress. Mr. Xaphen ga\e unsparingly of his Union, Ancient Order of United Workmen, 

time to that important othce and took an ini- Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co.. Bostonian 

portant part in national legislation. He vigor- Society. Dorchester Historical Society, Columbia 

ously opposed the expansion policy of the Yacht Club, Mosquito l-"leet Yacht Club, Young 

Republican party and made memorable speeches Men's Democratic Club of Massachusetts, 

on the Porto Rican question, the trusts, the Knights of vSt. Rose, Massachusetts Catholic 

Philippine cpiestion. the improvement of Boston Order of Foresters, honorary men.iber of Dahl- 

Harbor and man\ other important measures. gren Post J. (i. .V. R., and Benjamin Stone Post 

Of particular interest to his district were his 68. (i . A. R.. ,\merican-Irish Historical Society, 

successful efforts in behalf of Cove Street Bridge Harvard Union, South Boston Council K. of C, 

and the Dorchester Bay Life Saving Station. South Boston Citizens' Association. Roxbury 

When a gigantic combination of moneyed men Historical Society, associate member of the 1st 

and corporations were striving to prevent the Corps of Cadets and a director of the Working 

building of the important Cove Street Bridge, Boys' Home. 

which was provided by the Massachusetts Legis- In August. 1882, he married Miss Margaret A. 

lature to take the place of the abolished Federal Drummey and they have three children, Mary T., 

Street, and had successfully appealed to the Gertrude C, and Agnes J. He resides at 501 

Secretary of War to stop it because it would be East Broadway. 



548 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



SERGEANT GEORGE H. NEE served as a member ot Company H, 21st Infantry, U.S.A., during 
the Spanish-American war in Cuba and through the Philippine Insurrection. ' His meritorious 
service won for him a Medal of Honor, two promotions, and recommendations for a lieuten- 
ancy and a Certificate of Merit. He was born in South Boston, receiving his early education in the 

Mather and Lawrence Schools. He was among the first to 
enlist in 1898, and his services won for him the highest 
decoration for personal valor, the Medal of Honor, presented 
in the name of Congress. Sergeant Nee participated in the 
campaign of Santiago and the battles of Julv i, 2. 3, 10 
and II, 1898. It was at San Juan, July i, 1S98. that, through 
jeopardizing his life in rescuing wounded from in front of 
the firing line, he was awarded a Medal of Honor. 

In the Philippines he was in the expedition into Cavite 
Province July 9 to 15, 1S99: expeditions from Morong to 
Porte, July 16 to 20, 1899: engagements at and about Cal- 
ainba, July 26, 27 and 30, 1899. At the battle of Calamba, 
he led his comrades to victory, after Lieut. Love had been 
shot, and was especially commended by his commander, 
recommended for a Certificate of Merit and promoted to a ser- 
geancy. Later he won distinction by volunteering to save 
his company from annihilation at Lake Los Banos. An 
attack was threatened and reinforcements were necessary. 
Sergt. Nee crossed the lake at night in a native dug-out with 
two Filipino guides. After landing, he penetrated the 
wilderness to Gen. Hall's headquarters and his company 
was saved by reinforcements which were sent to its aid. On 
his return home Sergt. Nee was tendered a reception and ban- 
quet by the citizens of South Boston and presented with a 
diamond studded charm. Sergeant Nee is a member ot the 
Boston Police Dept., and is identified with the Police Relief 
Ass'n, Charitable Irish Soc, Medal of Honor Legion, Roger Wolcott Camp L. S. W. X.. Robert 
Fulton Council, K. of C, St. Augustine's Lyceum and Div. 58 A. O. H. He represented the Medal 
of Honor Legion on the chief marshal's staff on Evacuation Days 1902 and 1903. 




MICHAEL W. NORRIS, well known in political and business circles, was born in the County 
Cork, Ire., about 1853, his parents being Michael and Mary (Davis) Norris. Coming to 
America at an early age, he attended the East Street School and graduated from the old 
Boylston School, removing to South Boston in 1870, \\here he has since resided. He is one of 
South Boston's many self-made men. He had a \aried ex- 
perience in business, being first a telegraph messenger boy, 
then a boy in the kindling-wood business, then drove a team 
for Prentice & Co., joined with James Nolan in the business 
of ballast lightering, then as a fisherman on the schooner 
Lady Thorne and later on other vessels, worked for Adams 
and Wenneberg on Commercial Wharf as a fish buyer, was a 
sailor on the Great Lakes, worked in the mills of Pittsburg, 
and, after trying his hand at several other lines, entered the 
liquor business in 1883. 

Becoming well known in Ward 13 affairs and interesting 
himself in politics, Mr. Norris was elected to the Common 
Council, and served in 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1894, 1895 
and 1898, and in the Board of Aldermen for 1900, 1901 antl 
1902. As chairman of the finance committee, he had splen- 
did opportunity to attend to the wants of his district, and the 
magnificent gymnasium at the foot of D Street is a monu- 
ment to his many years of effort. He was successful in se- 
curing park betterment assessments reduced in 1894, and 
worked hard for the completion of the Strandway. He mar- 
ried Miss Nellie A. Berrigan, who died in June, 1901, and has 
had ten children, one of whom, Michael W., Jr., died. Those 
living are Mary E., Lillian G., Frederick F., William L., 
Albert C, Joseph E., Irene H., Caroline M. and Michael 
W., Jr. He is a member of Div. 7, A.O.H., the Irish American 
Club, the 21^ Associates, Sovith Boston Council K. of C, 

Elks, Shawmut Rowing Club, Mosquito Fleet "^'acht Club, Bay State Riding and Driving Club, 
South Boston Citizens' Asso., Dorchester Riding and Driving Club, Boston Schwaben Verein, and 
other organizations. His business is at 115 to 119 W. 4th St., and he resides at 123 W. 4th St. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON*. 



549 



JOSEPH J. NORTON, deputy superintendent in the street cleaning division of the street depart- 
ment, is a son of John and Mary Norton and is a native of South Boston, having been born here 
November 19, 1S70. He received his early education in the schools of this district graduating 

from the Lincoln Grammar School in 18S4. He then entered the English High Schoof where he 

pursued his studies until 1S87, when he entered the employ 

of Patrick Raftery, who conducted a grocery business at the - 

corner of K and East Third Streets. 

The following year he became assistant secretarv of the 

Boston Fruit and Produce Exchange, which position he held 

imtil 1899. In the meantime he became interested in politics 

and in 1895 he was elected a representative to the Massachu- 
setts House of Representatives from Ward 14 and the follow- 
ing year was re-elected. In 1898. he was a candidate for 

alderman and was elected and was re-elected in 1900 and 1901. 

Under the administration of Mayor Patrick A. Collins ho 

was appointed to the position of deputy superintendent of 

street cleaning, in the street department, vvilli otVices at 923 

Tremont Building. 

During his political career Deputy Superintendent Norton 

was alwa\ s active in the interests of South Boston, and was 

instrumental in procuring for the district many extensive 
and necessar\' improvements. It was through him that 
many other young men have become prominent in ]iolitical 

life, and have been elected to public otfice in state and city. 

Deputy Superintendent Norton was a member of the Demo- 
cratic State Committee in 1899 and was first \ice-president of 
the Democratic City Committee during 1S9S and 1S99. He 
is at present a member of the Boston Fruit and Pioduce 
Exchange, the South Boston Citizens' Association, Massa- 
chusetts Catholic Order of Foresters, Mosquito Fleet Yacht 

Club, Somerset Associates, and Farragut Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen 
and for many ^ears was a member of the Ward 14 Democratic Committee. Deput\ Suiierintendent 
Norton is married and lives at 88 M Street. 




J 



CARLTON NICHOLS, a member of the 
hardware firm known as "The Hoyt 
Company." was born in Cohasset, Mass., 
1858. but came to South Boston wMth his 
parents when two 
years old and has 
resided here ever 
since. He was 

educated in the pub- 
lic schools of South 
]5oston. and, when 
fifteen years old. 
entered the hard- 
w-are business and 
has remained in it 
ever since, being at 
p r e s e n t senior 
member of ''The 
ll()\t Companv," 
ha\ing stores in 
South Boston and 
Dorchester. 11 e 
represented South 
Boston in the Boston School l5oard in 1898, 
1899, 1900 and 1901. Mr. Nichols is a trustee 
of the South Boston Savings Bank and of Be- 
thesda Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows. He is also a member of St. Paul's 
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. St. Mat- 
thew's Royal Arch Chapter. South Boston's Cit- 
izens' Association and the New England Hard- 
ware Dealers' Association. He resides with his 
family at 159 K. Street. 




JEREMIAH F. O'BRIEN, iron and steel mer- 
chant at 165 -V Street, was born in Boston, 
Dec. 16, i860, of Patrick and Ellen (Mc- 
Cai'thv ) O'Brien Hi- is numberi.'d ainong the 
most enterprising 
of South Boston's 
citizens. Notwith- 
standing his r e - 
m o V a 1 to South 
Boston in 1870 hi 
c o n t i n u e d his 
studies at the Brim- 
mer School a n tl 
graduateii in 187^. 
His father was one 
of the oldest iron 
and steel merchants 
in the cit v, having 
been in business 
f o r I v years, and 
was well known 
a n d h i g h 1 y re- 
spected by all who 

knew him. Jeremiah succeeded to the business 
about 1890, and has since conducted it most 
successfully. The business is that of buying 
old iron and steel and is very lucrative. Mr. 
O'Brien is single and lives at 191 West Fourth 
Street. He is a member and prominently iden- 
tified with the ^Vmerican Order of Fraternal 
Helpers, South Boston Conclave of the I. O. 
H.. Div. 4, A. O. H.. and Defender Lodge, 
jSo, N. E. O. p. 




5SO 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



CAPT. JAMKS J. O'CONNOR, of the Boston 
l*'iic Dopiirtment, was born in South Boston 
October 18, 1866, and has resided here all 
his lite. He is a son of Timothy F. and Mary 
E. O'Connor. He 
received his educa- 
tion in the schools 
of this district, 
b a V i n g attended 
tlie H a we s and 
I)igelow Schools. 
vVfter finishing his 
studies he entered 
the printer's trade 
which he followed 
tor a short time. 
I laving a desire to 
enter the Fire De- 
jKirtment, he made 
api^lication and was 
accepted January 
6, i8SS. His career 
>ince that time has 
won him promotion anil his record for saving 
life has placed his name upon the department's 
I'oU of honor. He was promoted to a lieutenancy 
December 22. 1893, and to a captaincy February 
iS, 1898. Captain O'Connor is a trustee of the 
Boston Firemen's Relief Association, Boston 
Firemen's Charitable Association, a member of 
Farragut Lodge, .\ncient Order L'nited Work- 
men. Mt. \'ernon Council, Knights of Colum- 
bus, and president of the Bachelors' Club. 




TAMES F. O'DONNELL, undertaker and 
J embalmer, was born in South Boston in 
1861, and is a son of Michael and Ann 
O'Donnell. He received his early education in 
the public schools 
of this district, and 
after concluding his 
studies at the LaAv- 
rence G r a m m a r 
School he entered 
the undertaking 
business, and has 
been engaged in it 
since that time. 
He worked at his 
chosen profession 
until i88j when he 
entered business for 
himself at 224 West 
Broadway. He re- 
mained at that place 
for a short time, his 
business being such 
that more commodious quarters were necessary, 
and he then moved to his present place of 
business, 204 West Broadway, where he has 
been located for the past fifteen years. Mr. 
O'Donnell is one of the oldest business men in 
his line in South Boston, having been in the 
undertaking business more than nineteen years, 
dining which time he has had charge of very 
large funerals. He is a member of Division 
58, Ancient Order of Hil)ernians. 




JFR.\NK O'llARE, printer, was born in 
1875. ami came to South Boston when a 
child. reiei\ ing his education in the pub- 
lic schools after wliicli lie learned the trade of 
pressman. Always 
lia\ing an interest 
in matters pertain- 
ing 10 the interests 
ot South Boston, he 
entered politics. In 
1900 and 1901 he 
represented Ward 
14 in the Common 
Council, and suc- 
t-eeded in having 
pass e d t h e first 
a pp ropr iat ion of 
^7000 for the ob- 
servance of Evacu- 
ation Day. He also 
secured an appro- 
priation of $3500 
tor the extension of 
P Street, from Sixth Street to the Strandway 
and $9500 for the gymnasium for the M Street 
plav-ground. He was elected to the Legislature 
for'1903 and was instrumental in having a resolu- 
tion passed protesting against taking Castle 
Island and to have it preserved for park pur- 
poses. He is a member of the Democratic Com- 
mittee, Division 13, A. O. H., Robt. Fulton 
Council K. C, Somerset Associates, City Point 
Catholic Ass'n and Pressmen's Union 67. 




ANDREW L. O'TOOLE was born in South 
Boston, March 25, 1S78, and is a son of 
Patrick and Hannah O'Toole. He received 
his education in the public schools of this dis- 
t r i c t , graduating 
from the Bigelow 
Grammar School 
in 1892. He then 
entered the English 
High School from 
which he graduated 
in 1S95. In 1896 he 
won the New Eng- 
land and National 
Inter-s c h o 1 a s t i c 
walking champion- 
ships, both for in 
ancl out door 

Finishing h i s 
studies, he entered 
business life as a 
clerk and worked 
himself up. He 

has been interested in public affairs for several 
years and took active part in local politics as soon 
as he became of age. He was elected to the 
Common Council by the Democrats of Ward 13 
for 1901 and 1902, and to the Massachusetts 
House of Representatives for 1903. 

He is a member of Robert Fulton Council, 
K. ofC: Division 58, A. O. H., Irish-Amer- 
ican Club, Shawmut Rowing Club and Irish 
Charitable Society. 




HISTORY OV SOITII I'.OSTOX. 



551 



TXyTILTON C. PAIGE, wholesale milk dealer, was born in Manchester, N. H., Decembers, 1S61. 
IVl His father was Orlando Paige, a prominent business man, and his mother was Susan Clark, a 
sister of Col. Charles R. Clark, a well known military man. At the age of i6 voung Paige 
came to Boston and learned the business of stationary engineer, securing" a position with the 
Boston Steam Laundry in Jamaica Plain. He remained herr ^ 

two years, relinquishing the position owing to ill-health. 
After working at the milk business a short time, he embarke^l 
for himself in 1881. Since then he has seciwed a lar<»-e and 
lucrative trade, besides attending to other important nmtters, 
notably his largely accumulated real estate, includino- a lar-'L- 
stock farm in New Hampshire, surrounding Mosquito Pond, 
near Manchester. 

Entering political life even before coming of age, he lia>- 
ever been atfiliated with the Republican partv, having .served 
on the ward committee many years and elected to the Board 
of Aldermen for 1897 and 1898 by the voters of Boston, 
serving on important committees and ably representing thr 
city and attending to the needs of South Boston. On thr 
election of Mayor Thomas N. Hart, in i()ix). he was appointed 
Superintendent of Public Buildings, which position he held 
during that administration. 

;Mr. Paige is a member of (iatc of the Temple Lodge. 1". 
and A. mT, St. Matthew's Royal Arch Chapter, East Boston 
Council Ro3-al Select Masters, St. Omer Commanderv 
Knights Templar, is a thirty-second degree Mason, a meni- 
ber of Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine. 1;he old New Hamp- 
shire Club, sergeant of the Amoskeag Veterans, DerrvfieK! 
Club of Manchester, South Boston Yacht Club. United 
Order of the Golden Cross, Ancient and Honorable Artiller\ 
Co., Dorchester Driving Club, Boston Press Club, Boston 

Lodge, 10, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and numerous other societies, in all of 
which he is interested and very active. April 26, 1899. he married Miss Emeline Marsters, of 
Haverhill, and they live in the Hotel Eaton. 




W.VLTER PERRY, fish merchant, son of 
William W. and Emma S. Perrv, was 
born in Essex, Eng.. (town of Walthan- 
stow) and attended schools in his native town 
and later in New 
York and in 
Charlestown. He 
came to South Bos- 
ton in 1S87, and 
started in the fish 
business as an order 
boy, about 1887, for 
Mr. Frisbee. I n 
1894, he entered 
the employ of W. 
N. Lanman, fish 
dealer, and in 1897 
bought the business 
and formed a part- 
nership with Frank 
J. Coughlin. Nov. 
16, 1898 the part- 
nership was dis- 
solved, and Mr Perry has conducted the business 
since then, at 667 East Broadway. Having 
made a study of fish, Mr. Perry is an expert on 
cod and haddock fishing, trapping of lobsters 
and eels, and the digging of clams in various 
sections of the coast, and is thoroughly 
acquainted with the coast and harbors from Bar 
Harbor to New York. Mr. Perry married Miss 
Ella A. Crowley and resides at 667 East Broad- 
wa V 




Gi:ORGE G. PROCTOR, breaker, was born 
and educated in Essex, Mass.. his parents 
being Joseph and Elizabeth G. R. Proctor. 
He came to Boston in 1874, and the following 
year to South Bos- 
ton. He was at 
first in the mercan- 
tile business, but 
the greater part of 
his life has been 
spent in organizing 
and financiering 
corporations and 
taking hold of and 
developing many 
important inven- 
tions, all with great 
success. As a resi- 
dent of South Bos- 
ton he has been 
deeply interested in 
political affairs, 
and. although never 

a candidate for office, he has been an impor- 
tant factor in the Republican circles of the 
district, has managed several successful cam- 
paigns and has been recognized as a leader of 
the party. In 18S0 he married Miss Louisa Page 
of South Boston, and they, with their daughter, 
Camille L. Proctor, reside at 665 East Sixth St. 
His office is at 7 Water St. Mr. Proctor is a 
member of the Knights of Honor. Royal Arca- 
num and the Order of the Golden Cross. 




ss^ 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



EDWARD J. POWERS, printer and sec- 
retary of South Boston Citizens' Associa- 
tion, was born in Boston Feb. 7, i860, of 
John and Ellen M. Powers. With his parents 

he came to South 
Boston the follow- 
ing year. He at- 
tended the Law- 
rence and the 
Biijelow Schools, 
graduating from 
the latter in 1S73. 
For a time he was 
in the office of 
the now ex-gov- 
ernor, J. Q_. A. 
Brackett, in Joy's 
Building, was ap- 
prenticed to the 
printing trade in 
1877 and began for 
himself in 18S8 at 
his present loca- 
tion, 157 Washington St. Mr. Powers was 
elected to the Common Council from Ward 14 
for 1887. 1888 and 1889, was commodore of the 
Columbia Yacht Club five years and secretary 
of the Citizens' Association 12 years. He is 
also a member of Winthrop Council, R. A., 
James E. Hayes Council K. C., ^losquito Fleet 
Yacht Club, Boston Typothetae, Master Printers' 
Association and the Halfus Mugus Club. He is 
single and resides at 916 East Fourth Street. 




PATRICK F. REDDY, health inspector, was 
born in Boston, March i, 1840, of Robert 
F. and Mary Reddy, who came to this 
country in 1836. His father was in the employ 
of the iron works at 
Saugerties, N. Y., 
and from 1839 of 
the Bay State Roll- 
ing Mil Ion the Mill- 
dam, and came with 
that firm to South 
Boston, and was 
foreman nearly 40 
years. P a t r ic k . 
on removing to 
South Boston, in 
1846, attended the 
Hawes School and 
Comer's College. 
He served his time 
as molder and ma- 
chinist in Little 
Falls, N. Y., and 

worked in the Bay State Rolling Mills for more 
than 20 years, advancing rapidly, until he was 
in charge of the rail mill. Since 1S80 he has 
been health inspector. In 1867 he spent a year 
in Europe, and, in 1868, married Mary Farrell 
in New York. Foiu- children are now living, 
Mrs. Mary Phelan, Mrs. Margaret Carew, Rob- 
ert F. and Josephine Reddy. He is a member 
of the Hawes School Asso. and Cit}' Point 
Catholic Asso.. and lives at 897 Broadway. 




MICHAEL J. REIDY, telegrapher, was born 
in South Boston, August 8, 1870, and has 
always been a resident of the district. He 
was educated in the jniblic schools and later 

mastered stenogra- 
phy and telegraphy 
and for many years 
has been employed 
by the leading tele- 
graph companies of 
the city, and is one 
of the most rapid 
operators. Inter- 
esting himself from 
early manhood in 
political matters, 
especially in Ward 
15, he was elected 
to the Common 
Council for the 
j-ears 1894 and 1895. 
serving with much 
distinction to him- 
self and his constituents, and was then elected 
to the Legislature for 1896 and 1897. He has 
ever been a deep student of public affairs and a 
very interesting and forceful speaker, his voice 
having frequently been heard in the legislative 
halls and in important campaigns. He is a 
member of the Knights of Columbus, the 
Ancient Order of Hibernians, and was a mem- 
ber of the Ward Committee. He is married and 
lives at 103 Old Harbor Street. 




DR. CHARLES ROBERT ROTHWELL, 
ph\sician. 387 West Broadway, a son of 
Canon Thomas Robert Rothwell and Ara- 
bella Rothwell. was born in Kingstown. Ireland, 
in 1870. Here he 
received his earlv 
training. H e a t - 
ten ded the Mid- 
dleton Coll e ge 
Preparatory School 
and then entered 
the Royal College 
of Physicians and 
Surgeons and at 
the same time piu"- 
sued his studies at 
the Royal Univer- 
sity, receiving the 
degree of A. H. 
from the latter in 
1891. He finished 
his studies at the 
former in 1893 re- 
ceiving the degree of M. D. In the same year 
he took a six months' course in the Rotunda 
Hospital. Dublin, and also the Dublin Eye and 
Ear Hospital. He then became house surgeon 
in the City of Dublin Hospital, where he re- 
mained a year and then to the Liverpool North 
End Dispensary. He married Miss Esther Falk- 
iner in 1893' and they have two children, Estelle 
Dorothy and Marjorie Adelaide. Dr. Rothwell 
came here in 1895 and has since resided here. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



553 



EDWARD P. B. RANKI 
tive of the Boston Her 
of the late Editor Edw 
of Frances T. (Roth) Ranki 



N. local representa- 
ald's staff, is a son 
ard B. Rankin and 
1. and was horn in 
Boston. While an 
infant, his parents 
moved to South 
Boston, where he 
has resided since. 
lirst at 200 K Street 
and later at 127 K 
Street. On the 
death of his father, 
in 1889, the family 
moved to 483 ICast 
Broadway. Mr. 
Rankin received his 
early education in 
the puhlic schools 
of this district, hav- 
ing attended the 
Lincoln and 
Thomas N. H art 
(rrammar Schools, and was about to enter Bos- 
ton Latin School when the death of his father 
occurred. He entered the emplov of the Bos- 
ton Herald, and, when 20 years old. was made a 
member of the staff, and assigned to the South 
Boston district. He is a member of Pere Mar- 
quette Council. K. of C, the Boston Herald 
Suburban Benefit Association, and is an honor- 
ar}' member of the Tremont Cycle Club. He 
resides at ^i6 East Broadway. 




DR. JAMES E. ROIRKE, dentist, at 474.\ 
West Broadway, was born in the city pro- 
per, in the old Fort Hill District, and 
resided there during his early life. While quite 
voimg he came to 
South Boston with 
his parents and has 
resided here since 
that time. He re- 
cei\ed his early 
education in the 
public schools of 
this district, and. 
concluding his 
studies, he entered 
upon a business 
life and for several 
years was engaged 
in mercantile pur- 
suits. About the 
year 1897 he con- 
cluded to study the 
profession of 

dentistry and accordingly gave up business to 
enter the Boston Dental College. He was suc- 
cessful in his studies and after passing his 
examinations opened an office at his present 
location and has been practicing since that time. 
Dr. Rourke is favorably known for his partici- 
pation in many amateur theatricals in and about 
the city in the interest of local charities. He is 
a member of the Mass. Dental Society, St. James 
C.T.A. Society, A.O.H.. and other bodies. 




REUBEN RUSH, formerly of Rush Brothers, provision dealers, is one of South Boston's bright 
young men. He was born in England Feb. 6. 1868. and came to Boston in 1884. After work- 
"ing three years for a big business firm at the West End, Mr. Rush yvent to Chicago, 
accompanied by "his brother, Thomas Rush, where they engaged in business, soon afterward re- 
moving to Akron, Ohio. Shortly afterward they were 
located in New York City, where they did a flourishing busi- 
ness in the sale of typewriters. In 1893 they disposed of 
the business and Reuben yvent to the World's Fair. At the 
close of that exposition the brothers came to South Boston 
and bought out the provision business at 439 West Broadway, 
which they continued successfully until their retirement a 
few years ago, at one time conducting two large stores. 

Mr. Rush has ever been a careful and diligent reader, and 
is well informed on leading topics and well equipped to dis- 
cuss the questions of the hour. He has ever been interested 
in political affairs and taken a prominent part in debates. 
His notable debate was with the well known economist and 
orator of Brookline. Edward Atkinson. During the presiden- 
tial campaign of iS96.when gold and silver standards was the 
issue of the dav, Mr. Rush participated in a public debate 
with Mr. Atkinson, in St. Augustine's Hall on E. Street, 
yyhich was crowded to the doors. Mr. Rush ably handled 
his side of the debate, yvhich was in advocacy of the princi- 
ple contained in the Democratic platform during the famous 
Bryan campaigns, that of the free coinage of silver, and he 
then presented strong arguments, which were difficult tf) 
overcome. He then, as ever, displayed exceptional ability 
as an orator and expounder of principles. In 1898 and again 
in 1900 he successfully managed the campaign of Congress- 
man Naphen and in 1902 that of Congressman-elect McNary. „,,m,v nffice 
He wJs for many years identified with Ward 15 politics but never would accept public ofiice, 
although fiSiuentlv urged to be a candidate for high elective positions. In .893 he marned M.ss 
Georo^ia Lailee, who died in 1901. He has three children living. 





KDWARD B. RANKIN. 



E 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 555 

DWARD B. RANKIN, deceased, a journal- •^ahly to relieve that worthy institution of the 
i.st of note, and for several years prominent heavy debt that hampered it, and at the time of 
in public life in Boston, was a resident of South his death was its vice-president. He was also 
Boston for several years. He was a son of John an untirini>- worker for the Carney Hospital and 
and Ellen Rankin, the former a native of New other charities. For foiu-teen years prior to his 
York, although Mr. Rankin was born in Qiieens- death, he had been a prominent citi/en of Bos- 
town, Ire., in December, 1846. His parents died ton, and political honors innumerable were 
while he was in his infancy, and he was left to within his grasp. He was peculiarly modest and 
the care of relatives who shortly afterward came i-etiring, however, and refused to sock anything, 
to the I'nited States. His early education was declining everything except such honors as were 
received in the schools of Boston and Lynn, and actually thrust upon him. He served on the 
he graduated from the Boylston School with School Board from 1S71 to 1S75 inclusive. From 
honors. Sh()rtl\- afterward he secured employ- 1S72 to 1S75 herepresented hisdistrict in the Mas- 
ment from Edwin C. I>ailey. at tlial lime the pro- sachusetts Legislature, achieving a reputation 
prietor of the Boston Herald. Beginning as an for probity and judgment. In 18S0 he receiveil 
otiice boy his duties were multifarious, but after a handsome complimentary vote as the Demo- 
three years he was given an opportunity to learn cratic candidate for presidential elector. As a 
the printers' trade. In 1865, the management, member of the now defunct ]}oard of Directors 
recognizing the latent ability in the then sturdy of Public Institutions, he upheld his undoubted 
30uth. made him a i-egular member of the repor- reputation for integrity, and, among all the in- 
torial staff. His abilitv and conscientious in- timations and accusations of misconduct against 
dustiv in bis new post won for him the com- members of that board, not a whisper was heard 
mendation of his employers, and he was later against him, men of all shades of political opin- 
promoted to the editorial department. During ion, upholding and applauding his course 
his 29 vears' service as an employe of the throughout. His main work in the board was 
Herald, Mr. Rankin served successively as gen- in the matter of schools, and the present splen- 
eral reporter, special writer, court and city did equipment and management of educational 
government reporter, war correspondent, tele- institutions, which were under the control of 
graphic news editor, military editor, and sport- the board, are largely due to his efforts, 
ing editor. At the time of bis death be was In the welfare of the Charitable Irish Society, 
engaged as a general writer, with special refer- of which he was a member, he had always taken 
ence to athletics, aciuatics, etc., of which de- an active interest, and in the summer of 1SS9 
partment of the Herald he was Iheefticient chief. he was intrusted with the important mission of 
His work on the Herald, as well as on other delivering to Messrs. Parnell, 0"Brien and 
journals of note throughout the country, of Davitt. the certificates of membership voted 
which he was the local correspondent, was them. He was keeper of the silver key of that 
recognized as of special merit. His journalistic organization in 18S5. and its honored pre-ident 
work was not confined to the Inited States, as in 18S6. Other organizations of which Mr. 
he \va< a frequent contributor to the columns of Rankin was a member are : the Benevolent and 
the press of London and other cities. For many Protective Order of Elks, Boston Press Club 
vears Mr. Rankin had attended the national and the Boston Athletic .Association. His 
political conventions as special envoy of the death occurred at the Rose Standish House, 
Herald, and on three occasions visited l-^nope Downers Landing. Sept. 6, 1SS9. It was the 
as it< special correspondent, having returned subsequent result of a severe nervous shock sus- 
from there but a short time previous to his tained in a railroad accident which occurred 
j^.,^tl,. while he was returning from Burlington, Vt. 
Mr. Rankin was well known in social circles. His last journalistic labors were at the tennis 
His heart beat warmly for the poor, and to the championship games, between Kerr and Pettitt, 
afflicted his purse was always open. Not only at Newport, R. I. He was married to Miss 
money but time and strength he gave in the Frances T. Roth, Oct. 25. 1872, and moved to 
cause of charity, and many charitable institu- South Boston in the late seventies, residing 
tions owe much to him for their successful there up to the time of his death. Mrs. Rankin, 
standing to-day. Of the Working Boys' Home her daughter Frances E., and son, Edward P. 
he was a consistent patron, toiling indefati- B. Rankin, reside at 516 E. Broadway. 



556 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



■p\R. WILLIAM H. RUDDICK, physician, 
was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, 
Canada, February 25, 1S45. His parents 
were Dr. James and Ellen (Skinner) Ruddick. 
In April, 1862, while a resident of Boston, voung 
Ruddick enlisted as a private in the Seventh 
Mass. Battery, serving from May, 1862, to June, 
1865 as private, hospital steward and later in the 
M. V. M. as assistant surgeon of the Seventh 
Infantry and first lieutenant of Light Battery A. 
In 1863, while he was in the armv. Dr. Ruddick's 
widowed mother removed to South Boston and 
he took up his residence there in 1865. After 
his early education in 
his native town he 
continued his studies 
in 'the Massachusetts 
Institute of Techno- 
logy, ex-class '75 : 
M. D., at Harvard in 
'68, B.A. Sc, Har- 
vard 1881, accepted 
candidate for M. A. 
and Ph.D., in zoology 
Tuft's College, and a 
post graduate student 
of the University of 
Vienna, Austria, and 
also studied in Paris 
and London hospitals. 
He has been assistant 
physician for the New 
Hampshire Asylum 
for the Insane, pro- 
fessor of diseases of 
the skin at the Col- 
lege of Physicians 
and Surgeons, district 
physician of the Bos- 
ton Dispensary, ac- 
coucheur Carney 
Hospital, etc. 

At the breaking out of the Spanish ^^'ar in 
1898 Dr. Ruddick vohmteered his services to the 
United States Government, either in a military 
and medical capacity and was the recipient of a 
letter from Surgeon-Gen. George M. Ster berg, 
in which the latter stated that in case Fort In- 
dependence were to be garrisoned the Govern- 
ment would be glad to avail itself of Dr. Rviddick's 
services and a letter of acknowledgment was 
received from Gov. Walcott. 

Dr. Ruddick is a member of the Harvard Union, 
Lawrence Scientific School Association of Har- 




DR. WILLIAM H. RUDDICKL. 



vard University, Harvard Medical Alumni Assoc- 
ciation. Harvard Graduates Magazine 

Association. American Academy of Medicine, 
American Medical Association, Massachusetts 
Medical Society. Boston Medical Library 
Association, American Association for the Ad- 
vancement of Science, American Morphological 
Society, Boston Society of Natural History, 
Boston Mycological Club, Naturalists' Club of 
Boston, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 
New England Agricultural Society, Canadian 
Club of Boston, British Charitable Society of 
Boston, Scot's Charitable Society of Boston, 
Edward W. Kinsley 
Post 113, G. A. R. 
of Boston, Seventh 
Massachusetts Bat- 
tery Association, Old 
(juard of Massach- 
usetts. Catholic 
Alumni Sodalitv of 
Boston, Catholic 
Summer School of 
America, Public 
School Association 
of Boston, the Dante 
Society of Cambridge 
and the Boston Yacht 
Cluli. 

Dr.Ruddick wa- the 
tu-Nt president of the 
South Boston Histori- 
cal Society, and was 
chief marshal of the 
parade at the unveil- 
ing of the Farragut 
Statue, June 28, 1893- 
Beginning in 1897, 
he was a vigorous and 
determined supporter 
of R e p r e s e n tative 
John J. Toomey in his 
efforts to secure the erection of the Dorchester 
Heights monument, which efforts were finally 
successful. Dr. Ruddick attended every hear- 
ing and secured the presence of influent ia! citi- 
zens who advocated the proposition. 

In March, 1872, Dr. Ruddick was married to 
Miss Sophia Ada Means, who died May 16, 
1901. Hehasone son, William A. Ruddick. 

In June. 1903, Dr. Ruddick was ■ married to 
Miss Margaret (iannon of Charlestown. He 
resides at 502 I'^ast Broadway, where his oftice is 
also located. 



HISTORY OF SOITII BOSTON. 



557 



CAPT. WALTKR S. SAMPSON, born in 
Kingston, Mas.s., February 2 1 . 1S35, and. 
educated there, came to Boston in 1851, 
joining the Fire Department and the State Mili- 
tia. During the 
Civil War he was 
luptain ot Co. K. 
iilh Rcgt., and then 
i aptain in the 2Jnd 
Regt. From 1S70 
he was a contractor, 
tu-st in the Ih-m ot 
Sampson, Clark c^ 
Co. and then W. S. 
Sampson cV Son. 
having built the 
Sutiolk C o u n t _\ 
Court House, jails 
in Rutland. '\'t.. 
and Keene, N. H., 
about twenty Bos- 
ton schools and the 
car stables at City 
Point. He is a member ot" the Mass. Char. Mech. 
Asso., Myles Standish Asso., Sons of Colonial 
Wars. Sons of the American Revolution, 6th 
Regt. Asso., Post 7 G. A. R., A. c^ H. .V. Co.. 
of which he was color bearer, carrying the colors 
into Windsor Castle and saluted C^ieen Victoria 
during the visit in 1896, Master Builders' Asso.. 
Veteran Firemen's Asso., and all Masonic bodies. 
Capt. Sampson has three sons, Benj. F. W.. 
Wm. A. and Walter S. Sampson. Jr. 




FREDERIC JAMES SHEEHAN, druggist, 
226 West Broadway is a son of Patrick and 
Margaret M. Sheehan, and was born in 
Maiden, November 4, 1873. He resided tiiere 
several years, at- 
tending the West 
End Grammar 
School. In 1886 he 
came to South 
Boston and attend- 
ed the Bigelow and 
John A. Andrew 
Schools, graduat- 
ing from the latter 
in 1891. He then 
entered the Mass- 
achusetts College 
of Pharmacv and 
while studying 
there was in theem- 
plov of Cornelius 
P. Flynn. Finish- 
ing his course he 

worked for Charles A. Curtis, with whom he 
remained until 1900, when he entered business 
for himself at 226 West Broadway. Mr. Sheehan 
married Miss Edith H. Wiley in 1901 and they 
reside at 268 East Cottage Street. They have 
one daughter, Margaret Anna. He is a member 
of Pere Marquette Council. K. of C, Bay 
State Conclave, I. O. H., Twenty Five Asso- 
ciates and the Massachusetts College of 
Pharmacv Club. 




PATRICK J. SHIELS, was born in Ireland 
in 1874, and came to the I'nited States in 
1S91. He first settled in River Point, R. I., 
Avhere he worked at the Clyde Print Works, re- 
maining there three 
vears, and then he 
eame to South 
Boston He soon 
obtained employ- 
m e n t with t h e 
Boston Elevated 
Railway Company, 
and remained in 
that employ until 
1902. ?'rom h i s 
\ erv a r rival i n 
>ioutii lioston he 
look an interest in 
political a ft a i r s 
and, quickly mak- 
ing friends, he was 
n o m i n a t e d and 
' elected to the Com- 
mon Council for the years 1901 and 1902. In 
the fall of 1902 he was a candidate for the Legis- 
lature, the entire ward committee being against 
him, vet he lost by only a few votes. In the 
fall of' 1903 he was again a candidate, and secured 
the nomination in a hotly contested campaign, 
with a margin of three votes. In politics. .Mr. 
Shiels has been a vigorous worker for the in- 
terests of Democracy, and was loyal throughout 
his career in the Common Council. 




HARLAND R. SKICL TON was born in South 
Boston December 9, 1^76, and is a son of 
the late Robert P. and Sarah (Parks) 
Skeltoii. lie has resided in South P>oston all 
his life, recei^ing 
his education in the 
public schools of 
the district. Finish- 
ing his grammar 
studies at the 
Thomas N. Hart 
(jrammar School, 
he later took a com- 
l)lete course in a 
Ijoston commercial 
college. 

He entered the 
milk business with 
his father in 1896 
and was engaged in 
it for about three 
vears. He t h e n 
secured a position 

as clerk, which he held until 1901, when he en- 
tered the livery stable business for himself, con- 
ducting the SU James Stables on Washington 
Street. He is now in the employ of the Colum- 
bia Graphaphone Co. 

Mr. Skelton has been affiliated with many 
oro-anizations. He was a member of Battery A., 
is" Massachusetts Regiment in 1896. and was 
secretary of the Ma/eppa Club for several years. 
He is a member of Pelham Conclave, I. O. H. 




558 



HISTORY OF SOUTH 150ST0N. 



CHARLES H. SLATTERY, lawyer, lo Tremont Street, Boston, is a son of Edward and Joanna 
Slatterv, and was born in South Boston in 1869, and has always resided in the district. He 
attended the Bigelow Grammar School and left there to enter the Boston Latin School, 

graduating from the latter in 1SS5. In the fall of the same year he entered Harvard College and 

after a thorough course received his degree in 1889. The 
next year he devoted to tutoring and then entered Harvard 
Law School. He concluded his law course in 1893, and, 
receiving his degree, immediately began the practice of law 
with the firm of Myei-s & Warner, of which Hon. James J, 
Myers, Speaker of tlie Massachusetts House of Representa- 
tives, is a member. He remained with this firm for some 
time and then entered into partnership with Judge Josiah 
Dean, at 28 State Street, the firm name being Dean and Slat- 
terv. This partnership being dissolved, Mr. Slatterv moved 
to his present otSce at 10 Tremont Street. 

During his course at Harvard, Mr. Slatterv devoted much 
time to the study of municipal government and he has since 
been able to use the knowledge thus gained, to excellent 
advantage. In 1894 he was a Democratic candidate for 
representative in Ward 14, but was defeated in the caucus by 
the remarkably small margin of two votes. This did not 
cause his interest in his pai'ty to waver, for he has always 
been an active worker, giving both time and energy in behalf 
of his party's candidates. 

In 1901 he was elected a member of the Board of Aldermen 
from the Eighth District and served the following year with 
marked ability. He was a candidate for re-election that year, 
but was defeated in the caucus. He then became an indepen- 
dent candidate, and, later, receiving the Republican endorse- 
ment, he was re-elected for 1903, after one of the most spirited 

campaigns ever conducted in South Boston, by more than 300 votes. 

Mr. Slattery is a member of the Boston Bar Association, City Point Catholic Association, South 

Boston Citizens' Association and the Mattapannock Club. He resides at 520 East Broadway. 




ALFRED SMART, insurance, was born in 
Lancashire, England, his parents being 
Frederick and Elizabeth Smart. Receiving 
his early education in his native place, Mr. 
Smart came to this 
country in 1881, 
taking up his resi- 
dence in South Bos- 
ton on September 
19 of that year. He 
now resides at 899 
E. Broadway and 
his office is at 221 
Columbus Avenue. 
Mr. Smart is mar- 
ried and has two 
children, Percy 

Frederick and Lil- 
lian Gertrude 
Smart. 

Ever identified 
with matters per- 
taining to the in- 
terests of South Boston, Mr. Smart was one of 
the charter members of the Mt. Washington 
Co-Operative Bank, one of the most beneficial 
institutions of South Boston, and is also a 
member of the South Boston Citizens' Associa- 
tion, the Sons of St. George, (of which he is a 
past president), and he is employed as assistant 
superintendent of the Metropolitan Life Insur- 
ance Co. He is also a member of St. Paul's 
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. 




WILLIAM F. SPENCER, undertaker. 40S 
West Broadway, is a son of James and 
Catherine Spencer, and was born in Can- 
ton, Mass., in 1872. He received his educa- 
tion in his na- 
tive place, having 
been a pupil of the 
Crane School and 
also St. John's 
School. I' p o n 
finishing his studies 
he entered the em- 
ploy of a local 
undertaker and has 
been in that busi- 
ness since. He 
worked in Canton 
for several years 
and, in 1891, came 
to South Boston 
where he entered 
the employ of 
James F. O'Don- 

"nell. He remained in his employ until 1S97, 
when he formed a partnership with Joseph C. 
Gallivan. They conducted business until 1900, 
when Mr. Spencer opened his own establish- 
ment, which he has conducted with marked 
success since that time. 

He is a member of Division 13, Ancient Order 
of Hibernians, St. Vincent's Holy Name Club 
and St. Vincent's Ushers Club. He resides at 
381A West Broadway. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



559 




ALPHEUS STETSON, deceased, born in 
Scituate, Mass., April S, 1794, was descend- 
ed from Robert Stetson, coinmonly known 
as Coronet Stetson, who came from England 

to Scituate in 
1630. Alpheus 
came to South 
Boston in 1814 
and for many 
years was en- 
gaged in ship 
building, at the 
foot of Dor- 
chester St. His 
uncle, Noah 
Brooks, w a s 
foreman tor Lot 
Wheel w right, 
who was proba- 
bly the first ship 
builder in the 
district. M r . 
Stetson, in 1836, 
embarked in the lumber and coal business on 
West First Street, at the foot of F Street, and in 
1842 the business was removed to the foot of 1 
Street, where it has been located ever since, 
conducted bv his son, then his grandson and 
great grandson. December 4, 1819, four years 
after his removal to South Boston, he married 
Hannah W. Kent, of a well known South Boston 
family. There were eight children, of w^hom 
three "are now living, Mrs. Sarah A. Baker, wife 
of John F. Baker of Brookline, Mrs. Mary A. 
Neale of Pittsburg, and Alpheus M. Stetson of 
East Broadwav, South Boston. 

alpheus" M. stetson, retired, one of 
South Boston's oldest residents and most re- 
spected citizens, was born in a house on 
Dorchester Street, between First and Dresser 

Streets, Sept. 
21, 1820. He 
attended the old 
Hawes School 
and took a 
Franklin medal 
in I S3 4 . Mr. 
Stetson and 
George Allen 
were the only 
ones thus hon- 
ored that year. 
In 1836, on his 
father entering 
the lumber and 
coal business, he 
went to work for 
h i m and later 
succeeded him. Still enjoying excellent health, 
he delights to recall the "early days of South 
Boston. He remembers, in 1830, -when he was 
but ten years of age, riding with his father on 
the first railroad built in this country, which 
was experimented with in Qiiincy, Mass.. and 
used to carrv granite. Sept. 7. 1842, he married 
Sophia B. Osborn, and of their three children, 
John R. Stetson is the only one now living. 






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JOHN A. .STETSON, dealer in coal and 
lumber, was born at the corner of C and Athens 
Streets, July 28, 1844. and has alwa\s lived in 
tlie district up to 1903, when he moved to Brook- 
line. He was edu- 
cated in the district, 
graduating f r o m 
the old H awes 
School in 1859, a 
member of the larg- 
est grammar class 
in that school. For 
many years Mr. 
Stetson and his 
father have attend- 
ed the reunions of 
the old Hawes 
School Boys' Asso- 
ciation, the only 
father and son who 
survi\e who were 
graduates of the 
school and are now 

members of the Association. John A. Stetson 
continued in the coal and lumber business with 
his father, until, in 1882, he bought the business 
and has since conducted it with his son. June 
20, 1866, Mr. Stetson was married to Miss Julia 
\an \'eghten of New York, of one of the oldest 
Knickerbocker families of that state Of live 
children bv this marriage, only two survive. 
Herbert Osborn Stetson and W. ;;Graydon 
Stetson. 

During his more than fifty years as a resident 
of South Boston, Mr. Stetson has been one of 
its most loyal and public spirited citizens. In 
social, business and political circles he has ever 
been prominent and esteemed. 

HKR15ERT OSBORN STETSON, the eldest 
son of [ohn A. Stetson, was born in South Bos- 
Ion. June 3, 1871, and is in the coal business with 
his " father, thus 
continuing in that 
line started in 1S36 
bv his great-grand- 
father, Alpheus M. 
Stetson. January 
31, 1895, he was 
married to Miss 
Georgia Conway, 
of Louisville, Ky. 
One child, Dorothy 
Stetson, was born 
September 4, 1S99. 
Until his marriage 
Mr. Stetson always 
lived in South Bos- 
ton, but since then, 
with his wife and 
daughter, has re- 
sided in the town of Waban. Mass. 

W. GRAYDON STETSON was born in 
South Boston, February 18, 1S78, and Sep- 
tember 17, 1900, Avas married to Miss Sally Col- 
burn Nickels. Mr. Stetson is now treasurer of 
the Newark Faucet Co. and resides in Newark, 
N.J. 




560 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



DANIEL F. SULLIVAN, who died in July. 
1900, was one of South Boston's most es- 
timable citizens. Born in Lowell, Mass., 
in 1855, at ten years of age he worked in the 
mills, where he re- 
mained several 
vears. When a 
young man he was 
noted as an athlete, 
and participated in 
numerous events, 
particularly rowing 
races, defeating 
such men as George 
Faulkner and 
Lynch, and also 
Meanev of Charles- 
town and the fam- 
ous Kenned^-. He 
was a member of 
several fa m o us 
crews. In 1876 he 
moved to Boston, 
and in 1885 to South Boston, opening a liquor 
store at 70 I St., in the latter year. In Novem- 
ber, 1890, he was married to Miss Emma F. 
McShane, and five children were born, of whom 
four, Henry, Arthur, Francis and Marie survive. 
He was a member of the Knights of Honor, the 
M. C. O. F., Knights of St. Rose, the A. O. H., 
the I. O. H., Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club and 
other organizations. Mrs. Sullivan and chil- 
dren now live on N St. 




"pvR. GEORGE A. SULLIVAN, dentist, son 
-L' of Josephine and the late Jeremiah Sul- 
livan, was born in South Boston, and, 
after graduating from the Lawrence Grammar 
School in 18S9, at- 
tended the English 
High School. On 
concluding his 
studies there he 
entered the whole- 
sale firm of Thomas 
Kellv i!v: Co., where 
he remained until 
1896, then entering 
the Boston Dental 
College. He re- 
ceived his degree in 
1S99, being chosen 
valedictorian of his 
class. Dr. Sullixan 
located his office in 
this district first at 
179 West B r o a d - 

way and then at 363 West Broadway. He is 
chancellor of Pere ^Nlarquette Council of the 
Knights of Columbus, and is a member of Divi- 
sion 58. A. O. H.. the Massachusetts Dental 
Society, the English High School Class of '92 
Alumni, the Lawrence School Alumni Associa- 
tion and the Boston Dental College Alumni. 
He is a brother of Dr. John J. Sullivan of 
Dorchester. Dr. Sullivan resides at 161 West 
Third Street. 




T lEUT. JAMES P- SULLIVAN, of the 
-L-' Boston Police Department, is a son of 
Michael and Johanna Sullivan. He was 
born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 8, 1858, where 
he was educated. 
He came to South 
Boston in Novem- 
ber, 1872, and re- 
sided here until 
1900. In 1874 he 
made a cruise as an 
apprentice on the 
U. S. S. Vandalia. 
On his return he 
became agent for 
the II i n g h a m 
Steamboat Co. He 
was appointed pa- 
trolman June 14, 
1886, and assigned 
to Div. I and was 
made "special offi- 
cer" in 18S9, pro- 
moted to sergeant Jan. 5, 1893 and assigned to 
Div 4. He was transferred to Div. 3 in August, 
1894, and in October was promoted to lieutenant 
and assigned to Division 5. He was transferred 
to Div. 12 March i, 1898, and to Div. 13, Nov. 27, 
1900. He is married and resides at No. 8 Den- 
nison Street, Roxbury. He has three children, 
Joseph P., Molly and Gertrude. Lieut. Sullivan 
is a member of the Police Relief Association, 
A. O. U. W. and Nonpareil Associates. 




JEREMIAH J. SULLIVAN, contractor, at 95 
J Milk Street, Boston, was born in South 
Boston, 1856, being a son of John and Mary 
Sullivan. He attended the Lawrence School, 
graduating in 1873. 
His father, w h o 
was a contractor, 
died in 1867 and 
the business was 
conducted by his 
son, John J. Sul- 
livan and Michael 
Murphy. In 1873 
Mr. Sullivan be- 
came junior mem- 
ber of the firm. 
His brother Michael 
died in 1874, and his 
brother John, seven 
years later. The 
business then de- 
volved upon him. 
Mr. Sullivan re- 
sides at 273 West I'illh ^iliect uith his 
wife, Mrs. Jennie (Mullen) SviUivan, and 
daughters, Marv F., Jennie and Carrie (twins). 
He is a member of South Boston Council, K. of 
C, Mt. Washington Lodge A. O. U. W., Win- 
throp Council, R. A., and South Boston Citi- 
zens' Asso. Mr. Sullivan cleared away much 
debris after the Boston fire, graded and filled 
Broadway Extension in 1S69 and has laid out 
many of the principal thoroughfares for the city. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



56 1 



TTOX. MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN, lawyer, was born in South Boston, Oct. --,, 1870 His 
J- J- parents were Patrick and Winifred (Joyce) Sullivan. Michael attended the Lincoln Gram- 
mar School, graduatinjr in 1SS6, the English High School, graduating in 18S9, and then the 
Boston University Law School from which he graduated in 1896, being admitted to the bar shortly 
afterward. As a professional baseball plaver Mr. Sullivan 
is well known throughout the country, having plaved contin- 
uovisly with National League teams from 1889 to "1899, being 
two years with Washington, two years with Cleveland, two 
years with Cincinnati, one year with Chicago, two vears with 
the New Yorks and one year in Portland, Me., all the time 
as a pitcher. -,■■ 

Mr. Sullivan hasever been identified with political affairs of 
the peninsula district, having served as warden in the Demo- 
cratic caucuses several years, and was elected to the House of 
Representatives for 1899 and 1900. In the fall of 1901 he was 
elected to the Senate from the Sixth District (Wards 13, 14 
and 15) by direct vote of the people, which law he helped to 
establish and he was re-elected in the fall of 1902, for the fol- 
lowing year. He has served on the important committees of 
Metropolitan Affairs and Mercantile Affairs and in 1903 was 
chairman of the Committee on Probate and Chanccrv, a 
particular honor for a Democrat. In 1899 he married Sliss 
Margaret Hickey and they have one daughter. Mr. Sullixan 
is a member of Trimount Conclave of the Improved Order of 
Ileptasophs, Division 13, A. O. H., Robert P'ulton Council 
134 of the Knights of Coluinbus (of which he is a past grand 
knight), City Point Catholic Association, Mosquito Fleet 
Yacht Club, South Boston Citizens' Association and the 
Clan-na-Gaels. His office is at 27 School Street and he lives 
at 84 P Street. 

As a candidate for the Governor's Council, in the fall of 1903, Mr. Sullivan easilv vanquished 
his opponent in the primaries, notwithstanding that the machine was against him, Mr. Sullivan 
receiving over 12.000 votes to about 6.000 for his opponent, an unprecedented accomplishment. 




TIMOTHY J. SULLIVAN was born in 
Kerry, Ire., in 1848, and came to this 
country W'hen but 14 years of age. He 
was educated in his native toAvn. He remained 
in New York three 
months, in Boston 
but a short time be- 
fore he came to 
South Boston, in 
1865, and has since 
made this district 
his home. He was 
first an entrv clerk 
for W. K. Lewis, 
then followed ath- 
letics on the New- 
England circuit for 
five years, and in 
1875 went into the 
livery stable busi- 
ness on Dorchester 
Ave., and soon 
went into the un- 
dertaking business, both of which he has since 
continued, now located at 628 E. 4th St., with 
an office at 332 Broadway, and he resides at 386 
West 4th St. He has ever been interested in 
political affairs, serving four years in the Com- 
mon Council (1891, 1S92, iS93and 1894) winning 
the fourth time on " stickers," by but 12 votes. 
Owing to close attention to his business affairs 
he forgot to file papers, but distributed 
"stickers" and was elected. 




WILLIAM J. SULLIVAN, lawyer, was born 
April 14. 1865, of Daniel and Mary Sul- 
li\an. lie attended the Lawrence School, 
and, in 1878. went to work for the Xorwav Iron 
Co. and later served 
three years with the 
S. a" Woods Ma- 
chine Co. He at- 
tended the Evening 
High School and 
then Boston Uni- 
versity Law School, 
was admitted to the 
Suffolk bar in 1898 
and now has an of- 
fice at 27 State 
Street. He ^Aas 
elected from Ward 
13 to the Common 
Council for 1892 
and 1893 and to the 
Legislature for 1901 
and 1902, during 

the former term serving on the committee on re- 
vision of the Public Statutes, and in his second 
year, on the committee on Judiciary. He is 
single and lives at 3 B Street. He is a mem- 
ber of the Irish-American Club, Twenty-five 
Associates, Division 58, A. O. IL, SS. Peter 
and Paul's Court, M. C. O. F., South Boston 
Council, K. C, SS. Peter and Paul's Confer- 
ence, and the Young Men's Catholic Association 
of the Church of the Rosary. 




562 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



JOHN J. TEEVENS, jr., insurance, was born 
in Boston, June 7, 1S75 and removed to South 
Boston in his infancy. He attended the 
Cyrus Alger and also the Bigeiovv Grammar 
School, from which 
latter institution 
he graduated in 
1S90. He entered 
the English High 
School in October 
1S90, after return- 
ing from a trip to 
Ireland and Eng- 
land, and graduated 
in 1S93. He was 
major of the 4th 
battalion of t li e 
Boston School 
Regiment and also 
one of the editors of 
the English High 
School paper, "The 
English High 
School Record."' He took one year advanced 
course at the English High School and entered 
Harvard College in 1894, graduating in 1S9S. 
In 1899 and 1900 he was at Harvard Law School. 
He was a member of the Common Council from 
Ward 14 for 1901 and 1902 and is a member of 
the Celtic Club, the City Point Catholic Asso., 
the Somerset Associates, Tammany Associates 
and other organizations. He resides at 87 P 
Street, with his parents. 




JOHN CHASE TIBBETTS, grocer, 139 W. 
J Broadway, is a son of John and Sarah 
Whipple (Dunnels) Tibbetts, and was born 
in Essex, Mass., Nov. 15, 1846. While an infant 
his parents moved 
to Hamilton, where 
he received his 
early education anti 
tirst business train- 
ing. He entered the 
grocery business 
when 12 years old, 
and when iS, he 
came to S o u t h 
Boston, securing a 
clerkship with W. 
P. Mendum. In 
1869 he opened a 
store at 135 W. 4th 
Street, and in 1872 
moved to the corner 
of W. 4th and B 
Streets, and to his 
present store in 1893. He is past grand of 
Tremont Lodge, and a member of ^Slassasoit 
Encampment, and district deputy of Grand 
Lodge. I. O. O. F., founder of the Boston Retail 
Grocers' Asso., associate member of Post 2, 
G. A. R., treasurer and a deacon of Phillips 
Church, and a member of the Citizens' Asso. 
He was married to Miss Elvira Anna Grover of 
Foxboro in 1873. They reside with their son 
Alva Grover Tibbetts at 94 G Street. 



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DR. PATRICK J. TIMMINS, physician, is a son of Francis and Mary Timmins and was born 
in County Fermanagh, Ire., Feb. 28, 1851. His earliest school \\as conducted bj' a teacher, a 
part of whose compensation was his board at the homes of his pupils. When able to make 
the journey, he was sent to the nearest National School, about two miles distant. At the age of 

fourteen he went to a classical school at Clinooney, near 
Clones County, Monaghan. He next entered St. McCartan's 
Catholic Seminary at Monaghan. Having completed the 
classical course he was sent to Maynooth College, where he 
made the two years course in philosophy and in 1871 came 
to the United States. Here he secured a position as teacher 
at Holy Cross College, and remained from 1872 to 1875, leav- 
ing to' fill a similar position at St. Francis Xavier's College, 
N. Y. Here he began the study of medicine, entering the 
class of 1875 at the" Medical School. Early in 1876 he ac- 
cepted a position as teacher at Georgetown University, con- 
tinuing his professional studies at the Medical School there. 
Here he took his degree with honors in 1S78. winning the 
faculty prize, a gold medal, besides being valedictorian of 
his class. He was then appointed resident physician of the 
Childrens' Hospital, Washington, which position he held 
during 1878 and 1S79. He then went to Troy, N. Y., where 
he began the practice of his profession, remaining until 1880, 
when he married Miss Mary A. Doyle, of Boston, and then 
moved to Maiden. Boston had ever been the goal of his am- 
bition and after two and one-half years successful labor in 
Maiden he settled at his present residence 497 East Bj-oad- 
way, where he has found professional opportunities and home 
surroundings all that could be desired. Dr. Timmins has 
one son, Edward F. Timmins, Avho is studying the profession 
of his father. Dr. Timmins has always been active in every- 
thing pertaining to the welfare of his native country and is prominent in the United Irish League, 
being a member of the National Executive Board, vice president of the Central Branch and a mem- 
ber o"f South Boston Branch, U. I. L., Div. No. 6, A. O. H. and the M. C. O. F. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



563 



lOHN J. TOBIN, druggist, was born in 
J ]}oston, March 7, 1S72, of Michael and 
Johanna (O'Brien) Tobin, and graduated 
from the Phillips Grammar School in 1SS5 and 
attended the ^Iassa- 
chusetts College of 
Pharmacy. He was 
in the business two 
years at the West 
Ihid, over three 
years with D. J. 
Kilcy, and over 
four years with 
Samuel Meadows, 
and has been in 
business for him- 
self, corner of 
l':ighth and Dor- 
chester Sts. since 
1S97. Mr. Tobin 
w a s married to 
Miss Delia M. 
Foley, and they 
have four children, John F., Mildred A., Charles 
L. and Frank M., and they live at 5 Telegraph 
St. Mr. Tobin was hospital steward with the 
9th Regt. for three years. He is a member of 
the S. B. Council, K. of C, Div. 32, A. O. H.. 
So. Boston Yacht Club, Mass. State Pharma- 
ceutical Asso., and secretary of the S. B. Drug- 
gist's Asso., Vernon Drug Co., Greater Boston 
Druggists' Asso., 'and Auxiliary 3 of the Boston 
Apothecaries' Asso. of X. A. R. D. 




JY/TARTIN E. TLOIIV. ilori.sl, a son of 
^^^ Michael and Bridget Tuohv, was born 
in Galway, Ire., Aug. ^. 1879, where he 
received his early education in the liallanakill 
National Schools. 
He came to the 
United States in 
1S96 and first en- 
gaged in the busi- 
ness of tlorist in 
Dedham, Mass. 

In 1S97 he came 
to South Boston, 
where he took up 
the same business 
and later went into 
business for him- 
self at 427 West 
Broadway. Since 
then he has opened 
another establish- 
ment at 253 Main 
Street, Charles- 
town. He resides at 137 Dorchester Street. 

Mr. Tuohy is a member of Pere Marquette 
Council, Knights of Columbus: Division 66, 
Ancient Order of Hibernians; St. Augustine's 
Catholic Total Abstinence Society: Defender 
Lodge, New^ England Order of Protection : 
Trimount Conclave, Improved Order of Hep- 
tasophs ; Rescue Lodge, F. IL, and the Colum- 
bus Associates. In 1903 Mr. Tuohy went abroad 
remaining four weeks in his native citv. 





JOHN J. TOOMEY. of the reportorial departmentof the Boston (jlobe. was born on Washing- 
ton St., Boston. His parents were Thomas and Annie V. (Walsh) Toomey. He attended the 
primary schools of Roxbury, and. for :i year following his father's death, in 1S76. while he was 
a resident of Springfield. Mass"., he attended school there. Removing to South Boston in June, 
1877. he attended the Bigelow School, graduating in 1882. 
He then, for seven winters, attended the Evening High 
School and Comer's College. For a short time he worked 
in the hat business, then as a printer, and for six years as 
book-keeper in a merchant's office, and, in May. 1889. joined 
the Boston Globe staff. For two years he did assignment 
work on the city staff, getting experience in all branches of 
the work. In 1891 he was assigned to the South Boston dis- 
trict and has retained that position ever since. 

Identifying himself with all public matters concerning the 
district, and. manifesting an interest in politics, he refused 
all propositions of his friends to be a candidate for office, 
imtil 1S94, when he was a candidate for the Legislature, but 
was defeated. In the fall of 1896 he was nominated and 
elected to the Legislature for 1S97, without the assistance of 
anv political leader or faction, w^as defeated the following 
year, and again Was elected, for the year 1899, this time as 
an Independent Citizens' candidate in a hotly contested cam- 
paign. During his legislative career he was instrumental in 
securing an appropriation of $25,000 for the Dorchester 
Heights monument, and also led the successful fight for the 
exemption of labor unions from insm-ancc laws. He also 
started the agitation and urged the national government to 
establish the life saving station in Dorchester Bay, and in 
1896 was authorized by the Historical Society to publish a 
historv of South Boston. In June. 1897, he was married to 

Miss Margaret A. Lynch of Oakdale, Mass. They have one daughter. Anna Mathilde, and live at 
776 East Broadway" He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of United 
Workmen, Citizens' Association and Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club. 





THOMAS TOOMEY. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



565 



nPHOMAS TOOiMEY, whose death occurred 
April 10, 1876, was one of the leading law- 
yers of his time, had a very extensive practice in 
Boston and in Springfield, Mass., and was a resi- 
dent of South Boston for many years. He was 
born in the county of Cork, Ire., in 1825. His 
parents were Daniel Toomey and Mary 
(Mulcahy) Toomey, well known residents of 
that place. With other ambitious young men, 
in 1839, when but 14 years of age, he came to 
America, landing in Boston, and almost imme- 
diately removed to South Boston. He attended 
the Hawes School, but soon left, to go to work. 
He learned the mason's trade and continued at 
it for several years. Ever a studious youth, he 
had still higher aspirations, and, after working 
hours, he was ever found pouring over his 
books and preparing for the study of law. 

In 1849, Mr. Toomey removed to Springfield, 
where he continued his studies. There he found 
a good friend in Mr. Erasmus D. Beach, one of 
the leading lawyers of that city, and in Mr. 
Beach's office he pursued his studies sufficiently 
to encourage him to appl^- for admission to the 
bar. He had previoush' studied in the office of 
Otis A. Seamans, also of Springfield. In 1857 
he returned to Boston, received final instruction 
and assistance in his studies from a Mr. Adams 
in the Massachusetts Block, and, on Oct. 17 of 
that year, on motion in the Superior Court, he 
was admitted to the bar. 

His practice was continuous in Boston, save 
for frequent visits to Springfield, whenever some 
of his friends there requested his services. He 
remained in the office of Mr. Adams, having 
charge of many of his cases, until the hitter's 
death. One of Mr. Toomey's first and most im- 
portant cases, and one that secured for him cel- 
ebrity throughout the state, was his defence of 
a woman who, having been wronged by an ad- 
mirer, shot him. The defence was most care- 
fully prepared, and Mr. Toomey's argument re- 
ceived w-arm praise from the judges, and numer- 
ous complimentary articles in the public press. 

Prior to his admission to the bar, while still a 
resident of Springfield, Mr. Toomey figured 
prominently in political affairs, although iden- 
tified with the Democratic party and a vigorous 
advocate of its doctrines. This party was then 
and for a long time afterward in a hopeless 
minority, and seldom elected its candidates to 
office. No matter how- brilliant or competent 
the candidate, if a Democrat, his chances of 
being elected to office were small. 



In the state campaign of 1S57, about the time 
of his admission to the bar, Mr. Toomey fre- 
quently spoke for the Democratic ticket, headed 
by Beach and Currier, the former being Erasnuis 
D. Beach of Springfield, in whose office he 
had studied. On the night of Oct. 2T,. 1S57, at 
the ratification meeting in Faneuil Hall, at- 
tended by thousands, he was one of the speakers 
with Hon. B. F. llallett, Hon. John S. Well>. 
Benjamin F. Butler, Francis J. Parker and 
Edward Riddle. It was in this year, 1S57, that 
Nathaniel P. Banks was elected governor, and 
the following year, while filling the office, one 
of his first acts was to disband the famous 
Montgomery Guards, a prominent military or- 
ganization of which Mr. Toomey was the cap- 
tain. This act created considerable excitement 
throughout the city. x\. few years afterward 
another military company was organized by Mr. 
Toomey and performed excellent war service. 
This latter company waited upon Capt. Toomey 
in the Pearl St. House and presented him with 
a magnificent sword as a token of their esteem. 

Throughout his entire career as a lawyer Mr. 
Toomey stood high in his profession. He ga\e 
his entire time and attention to his clients, 
carefully studied and examined into each case 
entrusted to him, with the result that he was 
thoroughly informed in regard to each. In 
court, he was a vigorous and eloquent pleader 
and an orator of considerable reputation. 

Not alone in politics, but in social affairs, was 
Mr. Toomey well known. In Springfield he 
was chosen the first president of the first Irish 
society organized in that citv. He was also, for 
many years, the leading male singer in the first 
Catholic Church established in Springfield, and 
was eagerly sought after to speak at society 
meetings. In Boston he was a member of many 
of the leading organizations and was identified 
with the old Franklin St. Cathedral in the latter 
days of old Fort Hill. 

In 18^9 Mr. Toomey was married to Miss 
Annie V. Walsh, daughter of Richard and Jo- 
hanna Walsh, afterward of South Boston. For 
several years thereafter they lived in South Bos- 
ton, but later moved to Boston. At the time 
of his death, in 1876. there survived Mr. Toomey, 
his wife, one son and a daughter, John J. Toomey 
and Miss Mary J. Toomey. Mrs. Toomey died 
in South Boston in October. 1896. 

Of Mr. Toomey's brothers. tAvo are living, 
John I. Toomey and David Toomey, both of 
Springfield. Mass. 




DR. EDWARD A. TRACY. 



lirSTOUV OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



567 



"PDWARD A. TRACY, physician, Glynn 
"^ Building, E Street and West Broadway, has 
been a resident of South Boston, since early 
childhood, havinii; come to the district with his 
parents when a mere boy. He received his early 
education in the public schools of the district 
and graduated at the head of his class from the 
Lawrence Grammar School. 

Later he entered Harvard Medical School 
where he took a thorough course, graduating in 
1S91 with the degree of >L D., and also receiving 
a Baningar scholarship. Shortly before this he 
had been appointed house surgeon at the Carney 
Hospital, which position he held for some time 
afterwards. Lnmediately after receiving his de- 
gree, he engaged in practice in South Boston 
and has been constantly engaged in it in that 
district since that time and is one of the best 
known physicians at the present time. 

In his experience in practice, particularly in 
the surgical line, Dr. Tracy saw where many im- 
provements could be made in various apparatus, 
which would not only be beneficial to the pa- 
tient, but equally so to the physician, in manip- 
ulation as well as in results. He therefore set 
about to improve as well as to invent apparatus, 
and his efforts in this line as well as his X-Ray 
investigations have been of great value not 
alone to himself but to the entire medical and 
surgical profession. 

One of the first things to receive attention was 
the plaster-of-Paris cast frequently used for set- 
ting fractured bones. Dr. Tracy after experi- 
menting, invented a wood fibre cast to take its 
place and it is quite generally used and with ex- 
cellent results. Li 1893, Dr. Tracy, at the first 
Pan-American Medical Congress, in Washing- 
ton, read a paper on, "A Brief Splint-Technology 
for Surgeons." In this and subsequent papers, 
he demonstrated most successfully a system of 
surgical splinting, now in general use through- 
out the United States and Canada. 

A further demonstration was made at the 
World's Fair in Chicago, where he exhibited a 
large and varied assortment of surgical splints. 
This was the only exhibit there from this dis- 
trict and proved a most creditable one. Dr. Tracj' 
being awarded a medal and diploma by the late 
eminent surgeon, Dr. Ernest Hart. Still pur- 
suing his inventive tendency, he wrote an article 
in 1895 on, "A New Method for the Control of 
the Spine." This was followed in 1S97, by an 



article, '"The Fallacies of X-Ray Pictures," pub- 
lished in the "Journal of the American Medical 
Association." This article, antedated by two 
years, the general acquiescence since given b}' the 
surgical profession to the subject matter of the 
article. The following year, the New York 
County Medical Society requested Dr. Tracy to 
address them, and he did so, his subject being, "A 
Safe and Rapid Method of Joint and Bone Fixa- 
tion": during his address, which dealt most 
minutely on fractures and their setting. Dr. 
Tracy exhibited his apparatus and demonstrated 
his method of usage, and the treatment of the 
various bones and joints of the body under a 
variety of conditions. 

In 1900 he invented what is termed the "wood 
plastic spinal jacket," which was thoroughly de- 
scribed in the November number of the "Boston 
Medical and Surgical Journal." This jacket has 
been used extensively since and through its light- 
ness, simplicity and cleanliness, has to a great 
extent taken the place of the leather and plaster- 
of-Paris jackets. Among the many other arti- 
cles which Dr. Tracy has written and published 
through the medical press, throughout the coun- 
try, are the following, "The Passing of Plaster", 
"The Treatment of CoUes' Fracture," "Ortho- 
paedics and the General Practitioner," "Wrist 
Joint Injuries," "A New Apparatus for the Treat- 
ment of Dislocated Collar-bone," "Modern 
Treatment of Fractures," "Scientific Surgical 
Splinting," "Pott's Disease of the Spine, Treat- 
ment by a New Brace," "The Treatment of 
Tubercular Hip and Knee Joint Diseases." Dr. 
Tracy gave much of his time to investigations 
and experiments with the X-Ray and the actinic 
rays. In November,' 1902, after investigating 
Dr. Minin's work on the actinic rays, Dr. Tracy 
published his own observations on these rays 
and has the honor of publishing the first article 
on this subject in any American journal. This 
article, "The Actinic Rays; Their Use in Minor 
Surgery," appeared in the Boston Medical and 
Surgical Journal, Nov. 6, 1902. 

He is a member of the American Medical 
Association, Massachusetts Medical Society, 
Harvard Alumni Association, Lawrence School 
Alumni Association and the South Boston 
Citizen's .\ssociation. 



56! 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



■pRANK J. TUTTLE, lawyer, 543 Tremont 
-L Bviilding, was born in Newbviryport, Mass., 
Nov. 12. 1855, and is a son of John B. 
and Elizabeth A. Tuttle. He came to South 
Boston about 1S60, 
but in 1 87 1 moved 
to Dorchester, re- 
maining there until 
iSSo, when he again 
moved to South 
Boston. In 1901 
he moved to his 
present residence 
43 B e a u !Ti o n t 
Street, Ashmont. 
He received his ed- 
ucation in the pub- 
lic schools, after 
which he studied 
law for three years 
and was admitted to 
the Suffolk Bar 
April 4, 1885. In 
1S87 he represented Ward 14 in the Common 
Council and was secretary of the Republican 
Club. He was appointed clerk of the court in 
1889, which position he still holds. He is a mem- 
ber of Mass. Lodge, F. & A. M., Royal Arcan- 
um, A. O. U. W., Baptist Social Union, South 
Boston Citizens' Asso., and Clerks of Courts 
Asso. He is trustee and executor for numerous 
estates. He married Miss Cora A. Stone, and 
thev have two children. Ruth H. and Gertrude. 




ID OBERT J. WARE, coremaker. brass and 
Av iron polisher, and also councilman in 1902 
and 1903, was born in Boston, March 15, 
1870, of Henry and Mary Ware. The subject of 
this sketch w a s 
educated in the 
Hawes Hall Prim- 
ary and the Bigelow 
Grammar Schools, 
having moved to 
South Boston, with 
his parents, in 1870. 
when but a few 
months old. For 
several years ]Mr. 
W^are was employed 
by the WalwoVth 
Ma n u f a c t u r i n g 
Co. as a coremaker, 
and by the Star 
Filter Co. as a 
brass and iron pol- 
isher. H e w a s 
elected from Ward 14 to the Common Council 
for 1902 and 1903, in the fall of 1902 receiving 
nearly 1,400 votes, the largest ever accorded a 
candidate in any ward in the district. He has 
served on the ward committee several years and 
is a member of the Mattapannock Club and Di- 
vision 13, Ancient Order of Hibernians. Mr. 
Ware married Miss Mary O'Donnell, has live 
children, Agnes. George, Robert J., Jr., Joseph 
and Irene, and he lives at 12 I Street." 




JOSEPH J. WALL, wholesale dealer in butter, cheese and eggs, was born in Dover, Mass., Feb. 
22, i860, of Patrick and Eliza Wall, and came to South Boston in 1876. In 188'; he opened a 
grocery and provision store, corner of M and East Sixth Streets which he continued until 1900 
when he disposed of it and bought a half interest in the butter and egg business of Benjamin H. 

Goldsmith & Co., 57 Chatham Street. As a resident of South 
Boston he has ever taken an active interest in public affairs, 
serving on the Republican Ward Committee of Ward 14 and 
for five years was warden in the caucuses. He has been an 
active participant in political affairs, a leader in Republican 
circles, and has been a zealous worker in many of the cam- 
paigns of the city, state and nation. 

During his residence in the peninsula he acquired con- 
siderable interest in real estate and many improvements have 
been achieved under his direction. 5s"otwithstanding the 
immense business of Goldsmith & Co., Mr. Wall, in recent 
years, has given much time to the important position of 
secretary of the Armstrong Manufacturing Co., dealers in 
druggists' supplies. 

Mr. Wall has for many years identified himself with local 
fraternity societies. He is a past grand of Bethesda Lodge 30 
of the Independent Order Odd Fellows, past chief patriarch 
of Mt. Washington Encampment 62 of the Independent 
Order Odd Fellows, a member of Bernice Rebekah Lodge 36 
of the same order, past noble commander of Mt. \\'ashington 
Commandery 42 of the United Order of the Golden Cross, 
and a member of St. Paul's Lodge, Free and Accepted 
Masons, St. Matthew's Royal Arch Chapter, St Omer Com- 
mandery, Knights Templars, Boston Chamber of Commerce, 
Royal Society of Good Fellows, Hope Commandery 3, United 
Order of the Golden Star, Boston Retail Grocers' Associa- 
tion and numerous other similar organizations. He is also a member of the South Boston 
Citizens' Association. Mr. Wall married Miss Lula May and they have one child, Arthur Marriatt 
Wall, and they live at 122 M Street. 




HISTORY OF SOUTH HOSTON. 



569 



GEORGK JOSEPH ALOYSIUS WELLER, 
menibcr of the Suffolk Bur, was horn in 
South Boston, August 23rd, 1874, at 580 
Broadway, where he still resides. He is the son 
of George F. and 
Catherine F. Wel- 
ler, both natives of 
Boston. He re- 
ceived his earlier 
education in the 
Lincoln Grammar 
School, from which 
he graduated in 
1889.' He then 
entered Boston 
College, from 
which institution 
he graduated with 
honors in 1895, re- 
ceiving the degree 
of A. B. He then 
studied law at Har- 
vard Law School, 
at which institution he pursued the full course. 
In September, 1899, he was admitted to the prac- 
tice of law. He is now associated Avith Vernon 
V. Skinner, being a member of the firm of Weller 
& Skinner, with a suite of offices at the Smith 
Building. 15 Court Sq., Boston, and local olfices 
in South Boston and Roxbury. He is a member 
of Boston College Alumni Association. Catholic 
Alumni Club, Catholic College Alumni Sodal- 
itv, and other prominent associations.^ 




EDWARD J. WHEELER, one of the most 
reliable tailors in Boston, born in Canada 
and educated there, acquired his trade in 
Ottawa and later went to New York, whore he 
gained further 
k n o w 1 e d g e anil 
then went to Chic- 
ago and Minneapo- 
lis, Minn., where 
he worked t w o 
vears as cutter. 
Since his arrival in 
Boston, in 1884, he 
has instructed 
many young men 
in the business and 
has given them a 
good start. In Oct- 
ober, 1888, he went 
into business for 
himself at his pres- 
ent location, cor- 
ner of Broadway 

and I St. Since his coming to this district he 
has secured a high reputation among the tailors 
of Boston, has a very extensive trade, and 
makes a specialty of des"igning his own patterns, 
and never allows goods to be delivered without 
being thoroughly satisfactory to himself as well 
as his customers. He is a member of the Art 
Societv of Boston, Knights of Columbus, Mos- 
quito Fleet Yacht Club and the South Boston 
Citizens' Association. 




% 



TAMES H. WHITE, wholesale and retail dealer in groceries and provisions, was born m South 
J Boston, October 3, 1859, of John and Ann White. After leaving the primary and graduating 

from the Lincoln Grammar School, he went to work for his father, in tlie grocery busmess. 
From 1874 to 1880 he gave of his entire time to this business, gaining a thorough knowledge ot it. 
In the latter year he started in for himself and since then 
has conducted a most successful business in the City 

Point section. So rapidly did the business increase, that, ^ 

in 1890, larger quarters "were needed and he erected the ^ 

present large building, 31 O St. and 845 East Second St. Wt 

where, with his brother, Robert F. White, he has a large 1^ 

trade. The store is 30x75 feet and there are employed 
eleven clerks, and lour teams are necessary to deliver tlie 
large number of daily orders. Mr. White, a life long 
resident of the peninsula district, has ever manifested a 
deep interest in the welfare of South Boston, and has 
been, for many years, a member of the South Boston 
Citizens" Association, and has taken an active part in the 
affairs of that organization. He is also a member of City 
Point Lodge of the Knights of Honor, St. Michael's Court 
of the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters, Robert 
Fulton Council of the Knights of Columbus, Boston 
Catholic Union, Mosquito Fleet Y'acht Club, Boston 
Retail Grocers' Association, and the Bay State Wholesale 
Grocers' Association. 

Mr. White is also proprietor of the well-known boot 
and shoe establishment 443 West Broadway, formerly 
owned by Robert Emmet, where he carries a full line 
of the latest styles of shoes. Mr. Charles Muldoon is 
manager of this enterprise, which is one of the largest 

and best equipped establishments of its kind in South . ^. ,, , . , ,„,. ^r ,,,„ igte 
Boston. >Ir. White was married in 1886 to Miss Anastasia G. Murphy, daughte, of the late 
John Murphv of Boston, a well known carpenter and builder. They have three child.en Ining, 
Anastasia, Emily J., and James H. White, Jr. He lives at 150 K. St, 




570 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



VyiLLlAM L. WHITE, i-eal estate broker, is 
** a son of John B. and Ellen White and 
was born in South Boston, Nov. 23, 1S72. 
He received his education in the Lawrence Gram- 
mar and English 
High Schools. 
During 1900-01 he 
represented Ward 
15 in the Common 
Council, b e i n g 
honored on each 
occasion by re- 
ceiving the largest 
vote ever cast for 
a I^ e m o c r a t i c 
candidate in this 
ward. He married 
Miss Florence J. E. 
Mayers, Sept. 4, 
1901, and resides at 
6qi East Eighth 
Street. He is a 
. niember of the well 

kno\\n tirm ot James T. Carroll .^ Co., 60 State 
.Street, Boston. 

Mr. White is a member of the South Boston 
Citi/ens Association, Pere Marquette Council, 
Knights of Columbus, St. Augustine's Confer- 
ence, Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club and for manv 
years was chief usher of St. Augustine's Church. 
W hile a member of the City Council he served 
on many important committees and did much to 
licnefit South Boston. 





■p\R. JOHN F. YOUNG, physician, is a son 
*-^ of Neil and :\rary F. Young, and was born 
in South Boston in 1S54." He graduated 
from the Lawrence Grammar School" in 1869, 
and then entered 
Boston College. 
Later h e went 
abroad and entered 
Clongovves Wood 
College, Dublin, 
Ire., and pursued 
his studies in Mater 
Miserecordia Hos- 
pital, Dublin. He 
returned to Boston 
and graduated from 
the Harvard Medi- 
cal School in 1879. 
He again went 
abroad and studied 
in Dublin, London 
and Paris, and, 
returning, was ap- 

was appointed house surgeon at the Cit\ llo-pi- 
tal. He began practice in 1S80, and" in 188^ 
he was elected a trustee of the City Hospital. 
He has invented many surgical appliances, now 
in use in many hospitals." In 1884. he married 
Miss Caroline M. Blake. His office is at 129 
Broadway. He is a member of Mass. Med. and 
Harvard Med. Societies; Harvard Alumni. 
Society for Medical Improvement. Boston Citv 
Hospital Club and other organizations. 

W^^^/h^I^\ "•^u^'^'^V"^''^''^"'' ']"'^ ''"''^"^'■' '™-' ^'°''" •" South Boston. April 27, 1864. His 

^^^^^^Z^^-C °\' "' '^' ""T '^"°"" '-^"^ '"°^^ "^^y ^^teemed residents,^ car- 

di.trict* W llHm w^s Pd^^i^^^^^^^ '".^ 'T'" '"' •"•^: °* '"^^ buildings now standing in the peninsula 

d.stiict. William ^^as educated in the schools of the district. He attended tht^Mather Primarv 

School and later the Lawrence Grammar School, and then, 
removing into that district, attended and graduated from the 
Bigelow Grammar School on West Fourth Street. He at- 
tended the English High School, after which he took a thor- 
ough business course in one of the large commercial colleges 
of the city. He was a readv student and quicklv adapted 
himself to those studies which, in after years, were of much 
value to him in his business. 

After leaving school he was employed by his father on all 
the important work in which the elder Keyes was engaged, 
and while still a young man he branched out for himself as a 
builder and contractor, and for many years has done a most 
extensive and successful business. He is of the firm of 
William H. Keyes & Co., with offices at 9^ Milk Street, 
Boston. His firm did considerable work in the building of 
the subway, connected particularly with that section in'the 
vicinity of Hollis to Pleasant Streets. He was also interested 
in the building of the new and magnificent Harvard Bridge, 
between Boston and Cambridge across the Charles River, and 
has constructed many large warehouses, factories, hotels, 
office buildings and bridges" The firm of William H. Keyes 
& Co., has had charge of many other large contracts, all of 
which were successfully accoinplished. It is recognized as 
being among the leading firms in this line of business in 
Boston. 

^„ , , . , , .. .p, ,. ^. ^IJ"- Keyes is married and has two children, Mary S. Keyes 

and Madelon keyes. 1 hey live at 95 D.x Street, Dorchester, Mr. Keyes having moved fiom South 
oston but a tew years ago. He is a member of several leading organizations, and is treasurer of 
the Contractors and Builders Association. 




INDEX TO 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND 

PORTRAITS 



rortraits 

Adams, Isaac 220 

Alexander, George II 4s:! 

Alger, Cyrus i'2r, 

Armstrong, G eorge AV '/iS 

Atherlon, Huinphrey, .Maj.-(;cn 

Atwood, Frank S 483 

Baldwin, John E., Hon 483 

Barnes, Thomas H 3:>.") 

Barrett, Samuel 221 

Barry, Daniel J 484 

Barry, George F 484 

Bassett, J. Gardner 3:>l 

Bateman, Joseph W 484 

Bates, John L., Hon 477 

Baxter, Mary, JNIiss 229 

Baxter, Thompson 22S 

Bent, Adam r)28 

Benton. Jose|)h S 21.") 

Bernard, Barnard 1... Di 48.-> 

Bertram. James 48.') 

Bird, Benjamin 

Bird, Joini II 

Bird, Thomas 

Blake, Francis K 4.s.t 

Blake, James 

Blake, James, ".rd 

r>lake, Sanniel 

Blake, Sanniel 

Blenkinsop, William A.. Bev .528 

Bowden. Anthony W 2(')2 

ISowe, James E 48(1 

Bowen, Henry James 4815 

Bradley, J. Fay son, Col 487 

Bradley, Thonnis B 488 

I'.rady, John J., Rt. Kev 3(U 

Brazzell, Fngem; T 489 

Brennan, Dennis F 488 

Bresnahan. Hugh W 488 

Brooks, Noah — 

Buckley, JohnMl 489 

Bnrdick, Oliver K 489 

Burke, Robert E 430 

Burns, James 2(;2 

Burroughs, Samuel M 489 

Busby, Thomas F.. Sergt 440 

Cains, Thomas l'-4 

Cains, William 262, 482 

Campbell, Francis A 490 



Sketches 

22G 

483 

124, 22.-) 

49 
483 

483 
334 

484 
4.S4 
331! 
484 

229 
228 



48.-) 
48.-) 

.'■.1 
227 

.jl 

48") 

r,l, 99 

99 

51 
99, 22G 



48(! 
486 
487 
488 
36.-) 
489 
488 
488 
227 
489 
489 



489 
440 

123, 228 
490 
490 



Portraits 

Calming. Henry 491 

Capen, Bernard 

Capen,'John 

Capen, I.ennnM, Rev 221 

Canlall, A. J., Rev 389 

Carew, Charles H 491 

Carroll. Michael J 407 

Casey, William J., Caj)! 477,491 

Cassidy, William J 491 

Chmielinski, John, Re\- 377 

Clap, Roger 

Clark, John J 215 

Clark, Charles Goodwin .-)28 

CoUieott, Roger 

Collins, Charles J 492 

Collins, Frank P 214 

Collins, Josei)li W 492 

Collins, Michael J 497 

Collins, Patrick A., Hon. 'A5 

Collins, Thomas J 493 

Column, Clement H 497 

Conl(!y, William F 493 

Connelly, C. James 223 

Connor, John 492 

Cook, James A 49.". 

Corliss, Michael J 493 

Cox, Charles 405 

Cox, Robert 494 

Crafts, Frederick 221 

Creed, David W 49.5 

Creed, James F 495 

Cronin, Dennis M 496 

Cross, William P.. I)r 496 

Cully, James A., ("apt 496 

Curran. Michael F 496 

Curtis, Charles A 497 

Davis, Joseph 497 

Dean, Benjamin, Hon -»28 

Delehanty, Joseph Francis, ])r 499 

Devine, James V 

Devine, John A 

Devine, Patrick H., Dr 499 

Devine, William 500 

Devine, William H., Dr 215, 477 

Dewart, William H., Rev 380 

Dill, Joshua M 336 

Dillaway, William E. L 22.i. 498 

Dillaway, William Stoughton 498 

Din.smore, C. A. Rev 356 



Skelelies 

491 

49 

40 

388 
491 
407 
491 
491 
377 
49 



49 
492 

492 
497 

493 
497 
493 

49-2 
495 
493 
495 
494 

495 
495 
496 
496 
496 
496 
497 



499 
500 
.500 
499 
.500 
500 
380 
337 
498 
498 
357 



BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX 



roitraits 

DolRMty, Joseph !■: 403 

Dolillflly, Jolill A., l{ev 375 

Uoiiovaii, Dennis, Capt 43(i 

Doigan, Jolm J 499 

Doyle, John jM 'M2 

Drake, Albert '-i-'l 

Drake, Henry A 528 

Drumniond. William J 5()-2 

Duncan, Nathaniel ... 

Dunluim, Josiah 

Dunham. Josiah, Jr 

Dunn, John H., Capt 501 

Duuu, ratriek 501 

Dunton, Larkin 339 , 

Dwi^ht.JohnF 350 

Dyer. -lohn 50'2 

Eldridge, Barnabas .W3 

Ellis, Frederick 345 

Ellis, James 503 

Ellis, William 

Elton, l^hineas 430 

Emerson, liomanus 

Enright, Timothy, Lieut 528 

Epler, I'ercy H., Kev 

Fallon, Joseph D., Judge 545 

Farwell, Frederick W 504 

Feeley. William J 504 

Field, Barnum 'i21 

Fitzgerald, Frank K 504 

Fitzgerald, ]\Iichael E.. 505 

Flood, Thomas W 506 

Flynn, Cornelius T 505 

Flynn, William M., Dr 505 

Foster, Hopestill 

Foster, James 

Foster, James, 3rd 

Fottler, William, Lieut 430 

Gallagher, Charles T., Hon 223, 508 

(Jallivan, James A., Hon 508 

Gallivan, Jo.seph C .509 

Gallivan, William J., Dr 509 

Gardner, Frederick M., Ifev 3.59 

Gavin, Michael F., Dr .510 

Gavin, I'atrick F., Dr 512 

Giblhi, John H 430 

Giblin, Thomas J., Dr 430, 509 

Glawson, Eldred C, Capt 513 

Gleason, David J .512 

Gleason, James F 512 

(ioldsmith, Simon 400 

Goodwin, Elijah H., Capt .513 

(iorc, Frederick S., Hon 514 

Gould, Abraham 

Gricuis, Joseph A., liev 378 

Grimes, Thomas 262 

(irimes. Thomas R ol3 

Hagerty, John, 514 

Haley, John V 516 

Hall, Fraids: 516 

Hall, Warren F ,5i6 

Hallett, Clarence 516 

Hanlon, Howard E 215 

Hannon, Frank J. 430, 515 



Sketches 
403 
376 
437 
499 
502 



, 502 
502 
501 
501 
341 



503 
347 
.503 
.503 



.504 
.504 

504 
505 
.507 
505 
505 

50 
50, 97 

97 
438 

508 
508 
.5119 
,-1(19 
300 
511 
512 

.509 
513 
512 
.512 
401 
513 
514 



97, 126, ■ 



514 
516 
516 
516 
516 



Portraits St 

Hannon. Timolliy.. 515 

Hardon, Henry C 348 

Harlow, Ezra ... 262 

Harrington, Edward T. Dr 518 

Harrington, Josei)li,Jr 221 

Harris, John A 221 

Hartuett, John J 518 

Hatch, E. Mertain .517 

H awes, John 

Hawes, Kichard 

Hayes, James 202 

Hennessey, Wm. J 430 

Hiekey, James F., Sergt 441 

Hlckey, William E ,519 

Higgins, William J 518 

Hills, Thomas 429 

Hormel, Herman ,519 ' 

How, Hall J 

Howe. ]\Iark Anthony De Wolfe 221 

Howe, Sanuiel G., Dr ;540 

Hutchings, Henry T., Caj)! 519 

Huxtable, James, Eev 390 

Jiimes, Benjamin, Hon 520 

James, Francis 521 

James, George B 223 

Jenney, Bernard ,545 

Jenney, Walter 

Johnson, Eobert J., Itev 371 

Jones, Ebenezer 

Jones, Isaac 

Jones, John P., Dr 519 

Jones, Wilham, U.S.N 540 

Kaler. John T 521 

Keenan, Herbert J., Dr ,521 

Keenan, Thomas H 430 

Kelly, Edward W .522 

Kelly. William J 522 

Kenny, Thomas J 523 

Keyes, William H 570 

Kimball, Otis F., Capt 439 

King, Michael L 215 

Kiinialy, Daniel J ,522 

Kirkpatrick, John, Pev 392 

Lane, James M 523 

Lane, John ( ! ., Dr. 523 

Lavery, Francis W 524 

Lavery, John W 524 

Leary, Edward J., Hon 524 

Leary, Lewis W 525 

Leary, Martin A 430 

Leonard, Amo.s M 339 

Linehan, Frank J 525 

Locke, William S 262 

Lodge, Henry Cabot, Hon 477 

Logan, Edward L .529 

Logan, Lawren(!e J., Col 526 

Ludlow, Poger. 

Lydon, Michael J 525 

Lynch, Michael J 529 

Lyndon, P. F., Pev 528 

Lyons, Joseph A 406 

Macdonald , Edmund A 5.30 

Macdonald, Jerome S 530 



etches 
515 
349 

518 



518 

517 

130, 217 

50 



440 
519 
518 
429 
.519 



549 
519 
391 

520 
521 

458 
458 
370 



519 
540 

521 
521 

522 
522 
523 
570 
439 

522 
393 

523 
523 
524 
524 
524 
525 

341 
525 



529 
527 
48 
525 
529 



,^30 
.530 



P.IOGRAIUIICAL INDKX 

roilrails Ski'tclics I'mtrnil^ Skcti 

MacDomild, J. S.. l)r r.20 5-.''.t OTomior. :\Iicli:icl .1.. M:i,j ji:; 

.Miij;iini, Francis, Dr 4.50 ... O'Doiiiicll. .lam.-s K "ji 

.Mahoiicy, Jolui n:',o 5:io O'llaic. .1. Frank .'i.jo 

Mahoni-v. MicliaclJ ."):«> .'":'." o'ThdIc, A. I .v,n 



Mainiin.u, .I()s<'pli 1' .">:'.! Ml 

Martin, .lolni K.. lion r.ivj .^3-.' 

Martin, William ^:',1 ."i:!l 

Matlicr. Kiclianl '.l 

Matlicr, Kicliartl, Kcv 4S 48 

.Maverick. .lolm, liov ;i2, 47 

Mayers, Jolin K.. Dr n:il ">:n 

Mayo. William .v., Kcv :'..s.5 ;!.s5 

Mct'atTrcy, .lolni o:« o:« 



l'aij;c, Milton (" :c,\ r.-.i 

I'ark, Fiancis !•: •jj;; 

Patterson. (Icorgc , I.. Iicv :!7:i :',7s 

I'eavey, Mary, Mrs •.'•j'.i -sj'i 

Perkins. Kihviii A., Disi.Cliief 4r,ii 4.'>1 

Perry, Walter .Vd .V.l 

Petliniiill. riK'rt K -js.: 

Powers, Fdward .1 .').'•_> ."2 

Powers, James T 



McCarthy, Stephen D..l)r 5:;:^ o:« j.,,,., .j„„,, ,, 4.2 "m^ 

MeClnskey, .Tolm J .-.40 .,40 j.,,,;.,,,, ,;,„,„., ; ,,1 ,,j 

McDevitt, Kobert o:« r,:v.', 

McDononjili, Michael.I •Jl.'i .... (,)ni,<;lcy. .lolni I" jr.j. 4C.-J 4(i-2 



McOarry, Thomas F — 21." 

McC rady, Kdward F :":'.: 

AEcHngh, John K M' 

:\lclnnis, J. F 2i; 

Mclsaa(% Daniel V ^'.''' 



..,.. Pankin. I'^dward 'jrA 5.">5 

'.',!- Pankin, i;dward I', r. .5.";; ',r>3 

Paymond, William S. W., Pes x,.s() :(,si> 

■;'l lU'ddy, Patrick n02 ;^-.2 

. , , ,, . 'l'"' Keidv, .Michael J .V.2 .V.2 

^IcNamara, Jeremiah J., Hon 4, .,...;(. .,..i. ^^..^^y-nunm^s V 4:;o 



McNary, AVilliam S., Hon .'>:u 

jMcShaiu', James P 5:i(; 5:',(; 

Means, Artlnir 1' -'i^is .">:'>« 

Means. John II 404 40.^ 

iMeenan, John K j)41 •")41 



Kiley, J. F., J)r 21.-. 

Pobinson, David P.Hon 477 

Pogers, James P 22:J 

Posseter, l^dward 

Pothwell. Charles Kobert, Dr. 



Meghran, Ihury J ^s o..^ i;..nrke. JiTmes K.. Dr 55;^ 553 

Meissner, Charles J 541 541 j.,„,,,i,.K, William II.. Dr 477.55.; 55(: 

Merrisan, John J r,:',i x-,7 jj„^„ i;,.,,,,,,,, -^, r,:^ 

Merrill, Joshua r>:-i'.i ; :'.'.! 

Mlley, Joseph H .^)41 .'41 Sallaway, Ceorge H 430 

Miley, Thomas ")41 Sampson, Walter S., Capt .557 5.57 

Miller, Poberl J "»42 .542 jsdiiey, W. S., Admiral 477 .. . 

Mills, William P 215 — Schwavtz, Jacob, Sergt .54<t 540 

Monaghan, John F. I- .542 542 shea, John M 430 

Monks, liiidiard J 42S 42!t sheehaii, Frederic J .5.57 .5.57 

Moody, Margaret A., Miss 34(i shields, A. P.. Hev 3.s() 3.s3 

Mooney. Charles P 401. 43(i 402 shiels. Patrick J 5.57 .5.57 

Morgan,JohnP 542 542 simpson, Dani(d 22.S 22S 

Morris, (U'orge J'., Dr .044 544 skidton. Harland 5.57 5.57 

Morris, John (;., Dr 544 Skene, Ceoige, liev 3.s7 3SS 

Morris, I'atrick, Dr 544 slattery. Charles H .55.S .5.5S 

Mnlcahy, William F 542 .542 sloan, William H. H 223 

Mullen, John A., Asst. Chief B.F.D. 4.50 45o sniall, Angustns I) :W0 329 

Mullen, Matthew J 430. 543 543 smart. Alfred 4.30. .5.5S .558 

ISPdlen, Thomas A. .'.4.3 543 smith, Frederick J., I. ient 430 438 

Murjdiy, James J 4Wi Smith, John. Capt 2 — 

Mur])hy, William H 4U» .... spencer. William F., 5.5S .55.S 

Murray, Ceorge F\ H., :\Pi.j 40!) 400 si>inney, Fdwin B 223 

Murray, :\Iichael J 430. .54:; 543 spinney, Thomas M 202 — 

Murray, Thomas loi standish. Mylcs, Capt :'• 

Stearns, Josiali A '■''■'•'■> :''41 

Naphen, Hemy F., Hon .54(; .547 g^^jg,,,,^ Alpheus 5.5'.. 559 

Nee, George IP, Sergt .,4S o4S gt,.tson, Alpheus M., 5.59 .559 

Newton, Josejdi n. S .544 o44 gtpt^on Herbert 0.55 r«9 

Newton, William L 544 544 s;tetson. John A 5,59 .559 

Nichols, J. Carlton 549 .540 g„.t^„n, W. (iravdon 5.59 

Norris, Michael W 54S 54S gtoughton, Israel 4s 

Norton, Joseph J 549 o49 stoughton. William 49 49 

O'Hrien, James E., Sergt 440 440 Sullivan, Daniel F 500 .5(H) 

o-Prien, Jeremiah F 549 .549 Sullivan, (Jeorge A.. Dr 5G0 5(50 

()-Callaghan, D., Mons 3{;7 3G9 Sullivan, James P.. I.ieiit 5(J0 o(X) 

()-Connor, James J., Capt .^50 .550 Sullivan, Jeremiah J SCO 5(J0 

O'Connor. Joseph J 215 .... Sullivan. John .M 430 



BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX 



J'ortvaits Sketches 

Siillivan, Laurence 2C,2 

Sullivan, Michael J., Hon 561 501 

Sullivan, Thomas F 215 

Sullivan, Timothy J 561 501 

Sullivan, William J 501 501 

Teevens, John J., Jr 502 562 

Tibbetts, John C 562 562 

Tighe, James T 223 

Timmins, Patrick J., l)r 562 562 

Tobiu, John J 503 563 

Toomey, John J 477, 563 563 

Toomey, Thomas 564 565 

Tracey, Edward, Dr 560 567 

Tuohy, Martin 563 563 

Tuttle, Frank J 56S 568 

Wall, Joseph J 568 508 

Ware, Robert J 568 568 

Weller, George J. A 509 509 

'Wheeler, Edward J 569 509 



I" 

White, James 

White, James H 

White, John, Kev 

White, Maurice V 

White, Wihiam L 

Whiting, Albert T !>•_>:', 

Whiton, John C, Col 4_'_> 

Whittemore, Benj. B •22: 

Williams, Roger 

Winthrop, John, (Jov n 

Wiswell, Enoch 

Wiswell, Oliver 

Wiswell, Thomas 

Witham, William A 4,>2 

Withington, John, Capt 

Woods, Frank F 4.-<) 

Woods, S. A 

Woodward , Joseph 

Wright, William AV 202 

Young, Joim F., l)r nyo 



■traits 


Sketches 




51 


509 


569 




7,47 


:m3 


344 


570 


570 



5(1 
".1, its 

424 
51 
459 
459 
225 



INDEX 



ADAMS, ('. .1. F., of coiiiniittee on 
Memorial in 1.S47, l.'iS; Isaac. 1:^7: 
of coinuiittec on Memorial of 1847, 
158; ITii; his house, 17.) : leading 
Democrat, 182; sketeh. JJi.; Seth. 
1S7: of committee on Memoiial of 
IS-IT.'WS ; 17.-5, ISl. 

Adams I'linlin^ I'ress luid Machiiir 
Sliop, sketell. •J.;4. 

Aerial Truck and Ladiler Is, l'..F.l).. 

480. 

Aldermen, ll.''>, I'i."), I3<.t, 147. l-'iO: list 
of from South Boston. ■J4;;. 

Alexander. D. Dr., 170; ('.eory;e. 
apothecary, 170. 

Alger, Cyrus, 1-24; of great intiu(M)ee, 
137; iiis residence, 130; nut. iii."., 
sketch, 'J-J5; school named after 
him, ;i46; Cyrus, Jr., 13'.»: Francis, 
1G.5, 180; Howard, 16.''>. 

Alger & Keed's Forge, sketch. ■.'3fi. 

Alger's Foundry, 130, 231. 

Alger Houses, I'-.M, 130, 17-3. 

Alger's Ordnance Yard, 17."). 

Alger, t'yrus. School, location and 
history, .346. 

Allen, H., dry goods, 171 ; .1. Fox. his 
house: John, 14. 

Allen's ]'lain,3j. 

Alnioii's Remembrancer, refers to the 
attack on Dorchester Heights, 
oo. 

Alvord, J. W. Rev., Congregational 
minister in 1.S.50, 172. 

Amee, Gen. Josiah L. C, sail-maker, 
14G; 150, 165, 160; in the hotel 
business, 160. ■ 

America, 4, 47. .vj, 65, 78, oo. 

American Army, Washington lakes 
command. 68; 74; indications of a 
conflict, 76; 80; ordeied to New- 
York, 89. 

American Colonies, 03. 

American Empire, independent, 9.3. 

American Flint (Jlass Works, sketch, 
238. 

American nation, 2. 

Americans, 47, G5. 76, 77, 79, 81, 8<;, 87. 
90, 93. 

Ameri(;an troops, 71, 79, '.0. 

Anagnos, Michael, sup(?rintendent of 
the Perkins Institution for the 
Blind, 419. 

Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co., 
49, 50. 

Anderson, John, 45; Robert, Maj., 
who commanded Fort Sumter, 
187. 

Andrew, John A ., school named after 
him, 3;i5. 336. 

Andrew, .John A., School, 1.38; built, 
194 ; date of establishment, loca- 
tion, description. Master Dill and 
teachers, 335-336-337; correction 
in sketch of Master Dill, 480. 

Andrew S(|uare, 18, 120, '289. 

Andrews, Thoiiras. 14, 20, 45: William 
T., his house, 139; carixiiter, 146; 



170: furniture store, 171 : first presi- 
dent of tile gas company, i.so. 

-Vndros, Sir Kdmond, in power, 41: 
tyrannical schemes, 49. 

.\nglicans, 3. 

Ai)ple Island, si. 

-Vpproaches — lioslon Street. -I'S; 
liroadway Kxtension, 277; Co- 
luinl)ia Road. 278; Congress St , 
277: Cove St Extension, 277; Dor- 
chester Ave., 277, 278; J)over St., 
277: Mt. Washington Ave., 277: 
Southampton St., 278; Summer 
St. I'^x tension 277. 

Apthori), John T.; 118. 

Archives. State 93; Force's 93. 

Arnislrong, George W., 223. 

.\niold. Henry, his house, 209. 

Aslibuinham, 4fi, 

Aslilcy. Luke. car|)enter, 146. 

.Vtliei'toii. Consider, 45; Hope, mas- 
ter of the early school, 37: Mr. 
Humphrey, 20; member of the 
liist school committee, 36; sketch, 
49 ; Josei)h, 45. 

r.ACK HAY I.so. 

liaker, Josei)h, boots and shoes, 171; 
Uicliard. .39: Sarah, married 
.lames White, 51 : Widow, :!9; Wil- 
liam. 45. 

Bangor Engine 6, 164. 

Hanks— Broadway, 181: Franklin, 
14.5.1.50: I.MfaycIte. location, 1.50; 
174: .Mechanics' National, 14.5, 1.50, 
181: South Boston Savings, loca- 
tion and sketch, 429. 

Baptists, 129: Free-will, Cliurch, 16:'.. 
167. 355. 

Barbour, Hezekiah. 46. 

Barker's Building, 181. 

Barnes, ("apt., 69, 70; Thomas H., 
master (iaston School, .3:)4. 

Barr, Adam, 45. 

" Barracks, The," 125. 

Barracks, in Bird Lane, 63: on the 
Blake Estate, 72:94: erected on 
Broa(hvay near D St , i;53; house 
near A St., 13:5. 

Barrett. E. F.. local editor, 1.82; 
Samuel, teacher in the Hawes 
School, 222: first teacher of the 
Lincoln School, .•}42. 

Bartholomew, William, blacksmith, 

208. 

Barton's Point, 81, 84. 

Bascomb, Thomas. 14. 

Bassett, .L Gardner, master Bigelow 
School, 3;i2: Maj.. 84. 

Bates, Henry L., 224; Mr. James, 20. 

Baths and bath houses, — description 
of the 1901 new building. :i(i.5-:!06: 
L St. b;ith, first one established, 
196: magnificent new building, 
196: history of the bath from be- 
ginning, .'503: Richardson's, 182; 
womeji and girls, 196: magnifi- 
cent new building, 196: history of 



the bath houses for women in 
South Boston, -.m. 

Batten, Widow, eailv land owner at 
Neck, .39. 

Batteries, on Foster's Hill. 73,96: 
(ireen Store, 86, 

"Battery, The," location, 160; pur- 
<diased by the cilv, 204. 

Battles, Bunker Hill. 66, i^s, 78: Lex- 
iui^lon, 66; Plattsliiirg, 166; Pula- 
ski (jua.rds participated, 188-1.89.. 

Battles, Jonathan. Mr., Jr., first mas- 
ter Mather School, 149. 

Baxter. Edward E., of committee to 
remonstrate ;igaiiist annexation, 
1(11; Miss .Mary, kept private 
school, 186: sketch, 22ii; Thomp- 
son, 136; earlv gradiuite Hawes 
School, '223; sketch, 228. 

Bay.Capt,, 45. 

Bay Stale. 5. 

Bay State Iron Co., " The Rolling 
"Mill,'' sketch, 236. 

Bay \'iew, 175; derivation of name, 
■ 183. 

Beacon Hill, 81,84. 

Beauregard, P. T., (Jen., orders 
evacuation of Fort Sumter. is7. 

Beaver. British vti.ssel, 61. 

i?edlam, Stephen, committee lo re- 
monstrate against annexalion, 
101. 

Bellingham, .Mr. 20. 

Belsher. William 45. 

Bel/er House. 142, 144, 161. 

Benhani. .lohn. 14, 18, 20. 

Bent, Adam, 142, 144, 161, Ita. 

Bent House, 142, 165, 174. 

Bethesda Building. 167. 

Bickford. Mr., first police iiatrol in S. 
P. , 131. 

Bigelow. .lohn P, Mayor, 159; school 
named after him, :ao. 

Bigelow School. 126: dedicated, 186: 
girls of Hawes School transferrea 
to, 222: the lirst building. chiinges. 
new building, .Master Bassett and 
teachers, .•j3l-;(.32-.'{3.3 : new Imild- 
ing occupied, 479. 

Bird, Ann, 51: Benjamin, sketch, 51 ; 
built one of the first houses, .56; 
tJO. 98: Elijah, one of land pro- 
prietors, 180t, 106; Ezekiel, IOC; 
Henry C. graduate of Hawes 
Sclu>dl,224: .Tacob. 106;. Tames, 51, 
98: John, of committee to lay out 
early school line. 37 :sketcli, 51 ; 98 ; 
.John Hawes, 98, 141 : sketch, '227; 
John (^, 224, Jonathan, 71, 96, OS; 
.Fonathan :'.d, 96,98, lOO; Lewi.s, 
224: Matthew, 72; Mrs. Ruth. 71; 
Samuel, 106; Thomas, 45, 51, .""O. 
98: Thomas, 106; William G., first 
letter carrier in S. B., 184. 

Bird E.state, 40. 

Bird family, 51, ,56. 

Bird FHII, 86. 

Bird House, 53, .56, 60, IW, 71, 141. 



INDEX 



r.ird Lane. r>>\. n;,. 

I'.ird School, 5.-,, i4i. 14:;. 

Hlackman, John, olt. 

I'.lake, Francis E., 39,50, TO, 224; .Tas., 
.•!;i, 40; sketch, .W ; died. 57; '.m, 99; 
James, Jr., sketch, 57; GO, 72: 
James 3d,;if'), ;i9, lou, KU ; John,;«» ; 
John H.. director lirst gas eom- 
jianv, ISO: J^hn I... Kev., 14R. 1C.7: 
ratience, iHi; Samuel, .".s, 72. :>9, 
144: Samuel, sket<-li. 22t;. 

r.lake Estate, locati 4e. 72, Ici. 

r.lakc family. .50. 1G.5. 

r.lake house, 18: beautiful location. 
4(1 : .50, 53; lirst house, 57 ; GO, tU. OH, 
142, 144, 161, 1G,5: accident to, 207; 
Samuel Blake iiouse, 144. 174. 

I'.lanchard. John W., 224. 

lUasland. Kdward B., 22:;; Thomas, 
apolhccarv. 171. 

lUciikinsop, Wm A., Kev., 230; at- 
tended to wants of (iate of 
Heaven Church for a time, 370. 

j'.lock Island. 4:;. 

r.lood, Samuel 1)., busses and coach- 
es, 1.50. 

Blue Hills, 3. 5. 

Board of Healtli, grants permission 
for burying the dead, 127. 

iiogiiii, FredB>., Col., in command otli 
Kegt. in Spanish War. 211; taken 
sick, 212 : 2i;;. 

Boies, James. .Mr.. 77. 

Bonetta, British vessel, i;i. 

Bcston, 1,5; derivation. G ; 13, 20, ■_'4. 
44,47,49,50, .51, .5(;; iutlf file regi- 
ments of country gather in. 59: 
demonstrations on account of rc- 
]>eal of Stamp Act. (Jl ; Dorchester 
extends thanks to. 6;;;i;5; event- 
fid six months in, Gi;: nunibei- of 
inhabitants at beginning of siege. 
68; GO. 71, 74, 7(;, 77, 7S, 79. si, ,S5. si;: 
entered by tien. Ward and army, 
87;Fort Hill fortilied, so; endiark- 
ation of British troops from, .s9: 

01, 02, 93, 95, 97, 100, lOS, 100, 120, 

128: l)e (imes a citv. i:;i»; not ;il- 

tacked in lsi2, i:;:;: H.o, 177. 
Boston Beer Co., 175. 
Boston, city of, lis. 
Boston Cordage Co.', 2:10. 
Boston, Evacuation of, 2;;, s,,o:;. 95. 
Boston, Eng., G. 
Boston Farm School, on Thompson's 

Island, 2G7. 
Boston Free Bridge Corporatmn, 11:;, 

117; surrenders bridge to city, 118. 
Boston, (ireater. lirst considered, 122 
Boston Harbor. 2. 4. 10. i:;; frozen 

over, .5S; on the north of S. B.. 2G5. 
Boston. Hartford .V; Erie li.H.. pur- 
chases land from Boston Wharf 

Co., 198. 
Boston- Latin Scliool, :;(;. 
Boston Machine Shops, 175, 
lioston Massacre, date of. 05; 79. 
Boston. Mavor of, 122. 
]5oston Neck, fortified by Gen. (iage, 

Gt;: tio, 77. 81 , 8G, 87; lines de- 

moUshed, s;i; 104, 108. 
Boston & New York Central K. K., 

located a depot on Summer St., 

178. 
Boston Police Department, 431-4.32- 

433-434- 4:i5-l:;G-437 ; Station 6, 435; 

station 12. 4;«. 
Boston Port Bill, date it was signed, 

66; went into effect, GG. 
Boston Public Library, 92. 
Boston School Kitchen No. 2. :i45. 
Boston. Siege of, commenced, 68: 70: 

lifted, 89; 93. 
Boston Tea Partv, date, 65. 
Boston Termimil Co.. 11.3. 178; com- 

bin.ition of southern railroads, 

201. 
Bi).ston Wliarf, 12.3, 171, 174; company 

builds Dorchester Ave. Bridge, 



178: did nnicb to lill in the "Flats," 

180; 19S. 
Boston Vacht Club, history. :-;o9. 
Boston & Albany B. K. i)urcliased 

land from Boston Wharf Co.. 198; 

deal made for the exchange of 

Hats. 200. 
r.osworth, <i. W., Bev., 172. 
Bottle House. 175. 
I'.<iulevards— Columbia Ave.. :;oj; The 

Str:ui(l\vay, :;ol. 
lioulwell. Gov., denounced, 1S2. 
Bowden, Anthony, 1;;g, 224. 
Bowdoin. .lames, Gov., 'X,. 
15o\vman, .Jonathan, i;ev,,58: severs 

his connection with Dorchester 

church, i;4. 
Bovlston. .los., le;ulinu Democrat, 

■ 182. 

P.ovlston :\Iarket. l(;s. 

Boynton, William F.. lumbi'i' dealer, 

■ 172. 

Bradford. D;iniel. l.;7 ; eariienter. 14(;. 

I!ra<lley. .1. Payson. Col., monument 
committee. 47G. 

I'.rad\. Charles, leading Democrat, 
isj; .lohn .L.Bl. Kev..:!(;5; Leo.L, 
died in Sp:inish war. 21(1: Michael, 
old resident. i:iG. 

Brainard, E. 11., blacksmith, 172; 
leading Democrat. 1S2 ; 229 ; car- 
riage factory, 2:!9. 

Braintree, 1:;, 24, 

Branckner, .John, 14. 

P,reed-s HUl. 79. 

lirennan, Dennis V.. H;7. 

P.riard cV Breck, drv uoods, 171. 

Briant. John. 45. 

Brick industrv. 141 . 

P>ridges.— 101. lo4, uts; conipromisi^ on 
the lirst biid.ne, 1110 : advocates of 
Boston I'ree Ihidge divided, 112; 
war declared. 112; 177; a circular 
railroad bridge. 178; across S()Uth 
P.ay and Dorchester. 178: those 
built at several street crossings, 
over railroads. 178 : eight of them 
spanning Fort Point elnuinel. 276: 
:;5 in the district. 27s; enumera- 
tion. 278. 
Boston Free (afterwards Federal 
St.). authorized. 113: determina- 
tion to build, 113; oiiposition, 113; 
several efforts made, 113; 114; 
tempoi'arv wharf across the chan- 
nel. 114; project seems dooTued to 
defeat. 114: hostilities cease for 15 
vears, 114: ninnerous pul)li<' meet- 
ings, 114; gener;d meeting in F;in- 
euil Hall. 115; re(|uests ignored by 
Leiiislature. 115; political turn. 
115: Leuishiture grautspetition in 
is-jo, iiG; ditticulty in building the 
bridge, llG; t'xtraordinary meth- 
ods to raise money. 117; contracts 
given to buikl bridge. 117; ipies- 
tion as to position. 117: city ac- 
cepts tlie surrender of the bridge, 
118; opened, 110: 122; name 
changed to Federal St. Bridge, 
178. 
Boston South (afterwards Dover 
St.), Legislature petitioned, 108; 
town ()fBost(m asked to sanction. 
108; dispute over the matter, los; 
given up tor ;t t line, 109 ; bill liassed 
incorporating iiroiirietors. lio: 
copy of the bridge bill, llO; work 
coinmeiiced on the bridge, 112: 
bridue tinished, 112; hoped to i)re- 
vent completion, 113; 114,119: sale 
authorized by tlie Legi.slature, 
119; becomes city proptity. 119: 

131. 146, 

Broadway and Broadway Exten- 
sion plans, made, 186: ccmipleted, 
196); its history. 280. 

Castle Island. 204, 2(r,: its history, 
244. 



Cove St.. 115: contest for it warm, 
202; work commenced, 20:;: 27i;: 
has oecasioiKMl considerable agi- 
tation, 279. 

Congress St.. its history. 2S2. 

Dover St. (See also P.(iston Soiilli > 
177; its history, 2.so. 

Evan's K. 11.. 149. 

Federal St. | (See also Boston 
Free Bridge). I08: authorized, n:;; 
178; its history. 2S1. 

L St., agitation st;irted. is;;: its his- 
tory, 28:!. 

Alt. Washington Ave., 177: com- 
pleted and ojielied to public, ITS; 
27(1; its hi--torv, 2S2. 

Old Colony, 149, 

Plans made for bridgi'S over .\. P. 
and C Streets, at Summer St. i;\- 
tension. 20!i. 

Pailroad emergency. 27G; its his- 
tory. 2S1. 

BoH-lift. 276: its history. 2si. 

Summer St. Extension and same 
over U. 1; tracks, 2T6; small 
bridges. 27S : large bi'idge, 278; 
histcuy of extension over H. K. 
tracks", 2S4: over ehainiel. 2s-j. 

Ten bridges over 1;. 1;. elll. 278; 

history. 2.s4. 

P.ri<lge\vater, 37, 124. 

P.ridgman, Laura. 419. 

Brigus Ihos., 145; Mr., excdusive 
liiivileges. 20: house. 142; house, 
209; sinpvard. 174, 2:;6. 

Brinlev Block, 12.5. 127. 

Bristol, Eng., 44, f23. 

British, 74, 75. 76. 77, 78. 79, 81;. 92. W. 
1.32. i:;3, i:!4. 

British Parliament, their imposi- 
tion of laws witlKUit the consent 
of the colonists termeil usur))a- 
tioii by Dorchester resolutions, 
(;i : (ien. Howe's conduct criti- 
cised, 90. 

British regiments land at Long 
Wharf. (;i. 

British troops, arrive in Boston har- 
]h)v in 1768. (;i ; more regiments 
land at Long Wharf, 66; land 011 
Dorchester Neck. (iO; 71, 72, 74, 75, 
7(;, 77. 79, SI ; prepare to leave Bos- 
ton,. S2: 87; the nuinlierof. that left 
Boston after siege, s7; embarka- 
tion of, .S9: 9(t, 93. 

P.roadway l?ank. commenced busi- 
ness, isi. 

l?ro;uhvay Street Railway Co., 177. 

Broadway Hill.'2S5. 

Broadway rniversalist Church, its 
name"cliaiiged from F"ourtli Uni- 
versalist, 194; history, descrip- 
tion, location and succession of 
l)astors, .3.s,8-;38!>. 

Brookline, 77 

Brooks, Chas.. Rev . 26; Noah, Capt., 
starts shipbuilding, 125, 131,144; 
death by accident, 182; sketch, 
2-27; '236: Wm. B., wood and coal 
dealer, 171 : lumber dealer, 172. 

Brooks Hall. 1.50. 

Brooks (Noah), house, 1'25. 

Brown. Mary. Mrs., house, i;;9. 

15rownville. John, W., Rev., '22:1. 

Bryant, Mr., house, 174. 

Bu'ckhain, E.. hotel proprietor. KlO. 

Bullock, Edward, JO. 

Bunker Hill, 78, 88. 

I'>iirnham, Choate, school named 
after him, 343. 

Burnham. Choate, School, location 
and descrii>tion, .343. 

Burns. .James, old resident, 173. 

Burr, .Jonathan, Rev., early minister, 
34. 

Burrage, George U., 224. 

Burrlll, Mrs., school, 149,176; aided 
by Hawes Fund, 218. 

Bnrsley, John, 14. 



IXDKX 



Riiiton's lopcwalk, J.;'.!. 

Hiiryiiij; grounds. (;:i;iii I)<iicIu'sIit, 
i'-'T; oiic iihuiiK'tl for near Till and 
Doiclit'stfi- Sts., r.'7; toiiilis built 
llicri' early, l-'7: oilier sti^ps taken 
near St. Matthew's Cliiircli, liT: 
i:iO. 

I'.iishv. Tlioiuas F., Seriit.. station 1-.', 
440. 

r.ush Tree Hill. 23. 

HiitliM-. Ileiirv, .iT: Niejiolas, Mr.. Jo. 

Mutt, Kii-liard. Sergt., 45. 

c.vKs.vu, .lULirs. !H>. 

Cains, Thomas, 1-2.3, 124: one of the 
wealthiest in N. K., 124: l.ti;. 174, 
223: sketeh, 22.s: his faniilv. 22S: 
237: Win., vr.i, 124, i::(;. liw, 174, 
223. 

Cains mansion, 124. 

Calef, .1. S., Dr., 170. 

California, 13(>. 

('alley, I'eter, 4.1. 

Cambridge, i>, ;W, Ci!: Washington 
takes (!onimand in, (is; centre of 
army at, 74:, so, si. 

Cambridge IJiver, S4. 

Camphor Factory. 17.'>. 

Canada, J.">: ss. 

Canada Invasion, 41. 4-"), .".1, ."i:!, 71. 

Canton, IS, i(;;i. 

Cajx' Ann. 4. s. 

Cape Cod, 2. 3. s.".. 

Capen School, history, description 
and location, :Ud. 

Cajx'n, Bernard, 14, 20: sketch. 4'.i: 
Deacon, 3i»: John, 14, 2(», :'.s; 
sketeh, 49; John, Jr., .SO: I.enuiel, 
Hev.. l.iO: first teacher in the 
Hawes School. 210: school named 
after him, .UO: Mary. .')0. 

Capen lionse, 00. 

Capin, Charles, in King I'hiliji's War. 
44. 

Caps, Isaac, 4."). 

Cardall, A. J. Hev., rector l'>roadwa\ 
I'liiversalist Churcli, :{ss. 

Carey, 1'. F.. fuinitnre store. 4i;.'!. 

Carney, .\n' rew is,; founder of Car- 
ney liosi)ital. 41.1. 

Carney Hospital, iir. : establishi'd an<l 
tirst patient received. is."i: cares 
for sick Spanish war soldiers, 
214: founded by Andrew Carney, 
41:;; history, location and descrip- 
tion, 41.:-4i4-41.V41i;: Tiew out pa- 
tient binlding completed and dedi- 
cated, 480. 

Carpenter, (leo., cari)enter, 14(;. 

Carroll, Micliatd J., jiresident St. 
Augustine's Lycenm,4o7: Myles 
P., graduate Hawes S(diool, 224. 

Carter, Joshua, 14: Theophilus, 
liouse, 142. 

Casey, William J., Capt.. 211. 21."'); 
chosen adiutant. 21."). 

Castle. The, 4S, 49, .->2, (U : its taking 
away liy Knglish, cause of nnicii 
regret, ii:>: 09, 70, 73. 7S. .S3, s."), ,ss. 

Castle Island, 58: bridge built to, 
204: its history in detail, 244: 
given over by IJ. S. for jiark pur- 
poses, 2.5S; reclaimed by r. S. 
during Spanisli war, 2.W;" serious 
accident on the island after the 
war, 200; as a jiark resort, 2()7. 

Castle William, 21. 40: gariisoned. 
.")',i : lit), 80, SO. 

Catholic's, 128: but few in nmnber. 
141 : increase, 141 : ir.i, :ri.-.. 

Causeway. 41. 

Cavanagl'i, (!eo. H., 224. 

Cazneau. Capt., 87. 

Cemeteries, (13; in Dorchester, 127: 
one planned for near 7th and Dor- 
chester Sts., and tombs built at 
early date. 127: other steps taken. 
127: arrangements for one for 
Catholic people. St. Augustine's, 
128; Hawes burying gionnd, his- 



loi\ . :i;i3; St. Augustine's. 128. 140: 
history and list of i)rominent peo- 
ple liinied there. 394; St. Mat- 
thew's. 127; Union, history and 
location, .>98. 

Centenary M. F. Cluncdi, 103. iisc. 

Champne'y. John, 100. 

Chance, ("'has. . I., interested in rail- 
road strike. 204. 

Chandlei-. Samuel, 4.'). 

Chaplin. INIoscs. 4.";. 

Charles City. \a.. :!(;. 

Charles Kiver. 4. to, 12. <'<<': 74, 7i'.. si. 

ISO. 

Charlestown. ."., 10. 1:;. ■>ii. .",1;, 71 i';i. 
1:54. 

Charter, lirst, 49. 

Chelsea, 79. 

Cheinin, Fredk., oldest barber, 172. 

Cheney, Fred. A., 4.V.I ; 

Cherringtou, Wm. I'., 224. 

Cheri-y Tavern, Caniou, 109. 

Cheverus, I'.ishop, l(i2 : i)urchases 
property and establishes church 
and cemetery of St. Augustine's, 

301. 

Cheviots, 3. 

Chicatawbot. 13: de:itli of. 1 1. 

Chittenden. Samuel. 117. 

Chmiclinski. John. Itev.. icctor I'o- 
lish Church. 377. 

Church of the Uedeemer r Episcopal), 
occupied for lirst lime. 194: his- 
toiy. l<icaIion. descriiition and 
succession of pastors. ;!82. 

Church of Kngland. s. 

Churches - Broailway Cniversalisl. 
changes name fnlm Fourth Crd- 
versalist. 194: history, descrip- 
tion, succession of pastors, 3,.S8; 

— Ceidenary .M. E., 103; 

Chinch of the'Kcdecmer [E))isc()- 
pali. occupied for lirst lime. 194: 
history and descriplion ;iS3:.... 
City I'oiut M. E.. organized, 194: 
histoiy. description and siu'ces- 
sion of pastors. 3s:;: ...Dorcdics- 
ter. .',2: ..Dor.-hester St. M. E.. 
started. 194: history. descrii>tion 
and location. 3s.-,; ' D St. ,M. Iv. 
.380; .. Est. Congregational. 40. 
70; . l'"ourth I'resbvterian, or- 
ganized, 194; historv, .192: 

F(iurth St. r,apti.t.::.->9":.... Fourth 
Cuiversalisl. 11.3. iso; changes 
name to Hroadwav rniversalisi, 
194:388: . Free Will Baptist, 103, 
104: (iate of IIe:iven, estab- 
lished, 1,S.">; extended. 190; histfuy 
and succession of pastois. ;ii;9 : 
. . (irace Episco])al. built, 194: 
lustory. description and succes- 
sion of pastors, ;i8l: Hawes, 
0:1: 170; Hawes I'l. Congrei:a- 
tional, 128, 1.37, Iso; llawes 
I'nitarian, 22, 143; history and 
description, 389; ... IJthuanian. 
destroyed by fire, 190; liistoryand 
description of newedilice, 37t: .. . 
Orthodox, 100; Our Lady of 
Czenstochowa, dedicated, 194; 
histoi'y. descri|ition, etc., 370: ... 

Our I,a"dy of the I!osary, dedicated. 
194: history, description, etc., 374; 

— I'ayson, 103; — I'liillips Con- 
gregational, 12.8, ISO: new chnrch 
built, 194: liistory description and 
succession of fiastors, 3."fc'>; Kev. 
I'ercy H. Epler, assistant i)astor, 
si'vers connection. 480; Chapel, 
liistoryand description, 3r)7: 

St. Augustine's, 141: .Mass cele- 
brated for Tirst time, 194: ex- 
tended, 190: liistoryand descrij)- 
tion, .100: Chapel, 180: history and 
pastors, 300; names of deceased 
jiriests interred in, ,303: — St. 
Eulalia's <'hai)el. Iniilt, 19G; liis- 
toryand description, 372; .. St. 
.lorm's M. E., history and succes- 



sion of jiastors, 3.SO; SI. Mat- 
thew's i:piscoi)al. 127, 140. ISO; 
historv and su<'cession of pasto' s, 
■179; Chapel, 194; ...SI. Monica's 
Cliaiiel, built, 190; location and 
history, .309; SS. Peter and 
I'Mlds, tire. 104: 172, 181 ; increase 
fnon Fort Hill. is3: historv a d 
succession of [i.-isiors, :!04: ' St. 
\ incenls, abolition of Fori Hill 
c;iiises removal of parish l.s:i; 
dedicati-d, l!i4; liistmy. etc., 372; 

Sdiith I'>apti-.t organized. 128; 

new churcli dedicated. 12s; 103; 
104. isi; united with the Fourth 
St. Society. 190: history and siic- 
ces>i(iii of |):isiors. :v.8'; .. South 
Boston M. E.. ISO; I'liirv 

Chapel, remodelled for Catholic 
chapel, 190. 

Churchill. Ivorv, carpenlcr, 140. 

City Lands, .-.7, l.U, 10.I; a porlioii 
abolished, 17s. 

City Point. 22. :i7. 0;:. 10(i;tlie scene of 
a duel. 121 : 170; ideal natural spot 
at one time. 2(k;. 

City Point (';itliolic .\ssociation, liis- 

■ tor\ and loc;iiion. 400. 
Citv Point Hotel, 170. 174. 

Citv Point M. I'". Church, organized, 

■ 194 : history. etc.,:is:{-.384-.3,s.".. 
Civil War, 141. lO-'i; occasioned much 

activity in business, is.-,; attack 
on I'ort Snmti-r. 187; treliieiidoiis 
exciteinent in S B. 187: Pulaski 
(iuards.ls7; < I nick ri'sponse from 
S. B. for volunteers, iss; b:iltles 
participated in. lss-is;i: iiii'iiibers 
of Co. E. 1st Kegt. (Pulaski 
(iuards) from S. B. who partici- 
Iialed.is9-190-I91; Lincoln (!u;irds, 
192: Cell. Lee's surrender ends 
the war, 192. 

Claiina-(;ael hall. V\:\. 

Clapp. David. 2;io; Ebenezer. 4.-.; 
IJlward, 20, 4.-i: Ezra. 39; Jason, 
100: .lohn.37: Lemuel. Capt., 9.-i. 
100: .Marv. 100: Nathaniel. .39, 4r>: 
Nicholas". 20,39: Noah. 70: Kob- 
ert, 14: Kobert, Capt., 9, 10. 17, 
20, 38, 49 ; Samiif 1, 39, 42 : Widow, 
39, 42. 

Clark, Chas. (ioodwiii. lirst master 
Lincoln School. . 13.1; .lames. Dr., 
140. 

Clarke. Bray. 14: .loscidi, 14: Solo- 
mon, 4.-.: William, 39. 

Clement, .\iigiistiii, 14, 20. .19, 4.".. 

Clinches. 10.-.; Joseph W., Itev., 172 ; 
kept lirst private school, lso;2;<0: 
school iianied after liiiii. :!4S. 

Cliindi School, l.'iO; location ;ind his- 
tory, 348. 

Cobb, Sainiiel, loo. 

Cobble Hill, 70, 77. 82. 

Colnirn & Howard. I'oal and wood, 
171, I7;i. 

Cochitiiate, l.'^s 

Coffin Lubricating Oil Co., 17.-.. 

Cogan, John, 14. 

Cohassel, 13 

Cole, Mr., house. 140: Mrs., sclnxd 
teacher, 14.".; Seth. Carpenlcr. 140. 

Collicott, Bichard. 9. 14. 20: Roger, 
sketi-h. 49. 

Collier. Mr.. Kev.. \M. l.T,. 

Collins, Frank P.. death in Cuba. 21.-.; 
Mr.. 100; P. A.,Hoii ,2:!0. 

Colonial (iovernmeiit. 48. 

Colonists, abstained from luxuries 
rather tliaii submit, 01 ; conflict 
between them and British sol- 
diers, 03. 

Columbia Ave., |daiis for boulevard, 
302. 

Columbia Yacht Clnb, history and 
succession of commodores. 402- 
403-404. 

Commercial Point. 1,3-3, 



INDEX 



('i)iiiiiiilt('f of Correspoiideiice, of 
town Dorchester, r>3 

Conniion Coiineil, r25, 139, 150. 

Coniiiioiuvcalth, 5, 37, 47. 

Coiiiinoiiwriilth r>aii(ls, 180: j^i'eiitcr 
liail of work (lone iii '-'S years, 
I'.is; lai<l out in streets, 200; 288. 

Commonwealth I'ark, location and 
area. 2!i'.i. 

Coiianl. liouer. 4, 8. 

Coney's founiiry, sketch, 2;!."). 

Coney, .lahc/., l.;7 : his machine sliojis, 
173: his lioiise. 173. 

Conjii-ei^ational Church. 128. 

Congrc^ation.-ilists. 128. .T).''). 

Congress, (ien. Wasliinj^ton chosen 
eonnnander by, <!8 : ici| nisi t ion for 
tro()i)s from ditterent states, ap- 
I)roved l)y. <;s; receives letter 
from Gen. "Washington regarding 
attack on Uorclie'ster Neck, 70 
and 70: reitresentatives from S. P> , 
243. 

Connecticut, 1, 4:'.. 44, 47; re(|uisition 
for troops, cs; 74; I;iver3;'>: A'al- 
lev, 19, 41, 44. 

Comielly C. .las., 223. 

Connolly, Jas. B., war correspondent, 
21.5. ■ 

Continental Army, 23, 68, 72, 94, 95. 

Continental Congress, 0, 82, 85; re- 
ceives letter from Washington, 
87. 

Converse. Jas W , 181. 

Cook, Aaron, 14: Tlios. i)., Ilev., lo."., 
172. 

Cooke, Wm., 45. 

Cork Point, doomed to destruction, 
201. 

Corney, Jas. H. <.*t Co., dry goods, lo- 
cation, 401. 

Cornlnll, ici. 

Costello, Thos. A., died in Spanish 
war, 210. 

Coiling. J. K.. St. Mattliew's Clnu-cli 
oriianizcd :it his house, 379. 

Cotton,. loliii, Kev., 5: Cotton & Hill's 
Chain factory, 145, 174: sketch. 
230. 

Council of iMassachusetts, 70. 

Court of Assistants, 13. 18, 19, .32. 

Court in I'.oston. 00. 

Cove St. I'^xtension and Bridge, 115: 
contest for it wages warm, 202; 
work coninicni'es\ 203; to S. B., 
277: further p.irtieulars of agita- 
tion for, 279. 

Cowden, Ca|it.. tor,. 

Cowdin, .leiillia i;., l:;i. 

Craddock, M:itthe\v, s. 

Crahtree, Jehosephat, 45 

Crafts. C. baker, 172; Fredk., teaidier 
in Ilawes School. 222: Henry, 
coal and wood, 171 : 174. 

Crane. Kb iiczer. 45; I.arra, 158: 
Lenniel. loi. 

Creeks, local i^iii in Dorelie-^ter Neck, 
23; one at Bi oadwa v a ud 1) St., 23. 

Crescent Ave., lirst stri'ct td S. B.,22. 

Cronan, Dennis, blacksmith, 172. 

Crooker, Kalph, " Rolling mill," 174. 

Crosby, Sunnier, 229: Wm., 224. 

Crowliore, .lollli. 45. 

Crowley, Mr., first police patrol, l.'.l. 

Crown Point, e.s. 

Crown, The, 03. 

Cuba Iron Co., 2.19. 

Cuddy, Mr., house, 142. 

Cully; Jas. A., Cai)t,, 211, 215. 

Cuniiingham, P., blacksndth, 172. 

Curtis, Daniel 15., 152: .los.. Corporal, 
45: Xathaniel, V',-2. 

Cutshumaquin, 14. 

DAHLdKEN HALL, 22, 40, 70. 
Dahlgren Post 2, G. A. K., its history 

and succession of connnanders, 

408. 
Dailey, Wm H.. 224. 
Dalton, John, 1.34. 



Dame, A. A., 117. 

Dana, Otis D., 229. 

Danforth. John, Rev., .58. 

Daiiju'ott, Franklin, 180. 

Davtmoutli, Lord, 75, 79. 

Daxeiiiiort, Clias., 37, .38; Iviward .1., 
l80;Kichard. Knsign, 44; Thos., 
44. 

Davis, John, Capt., house, 1.39; Gen., 
109. 

Dawes, Wm., 94. 

Dean. Benj.. 2,30; school named after 
him,. "50; initial meeting of Church 
of Jicdeemer in his house. ;!S2. 

Dean, Benj.. School, history and lo- 
cation, ;i49. 

Declaration <if Independence, 93. 

Dedhani, 24; turniiike 169. 

Deeble, Robert, 14. 20: Tllomas, 14. 

Deering Bros., apoth(>caries, 171. 

Deer Island, 152. 

Deluce, Fianeis, 9(;; carpenter, 140; 
(;eo, F,, 223; Jas., 223; Mr., house, 
03; fish store, 14-.'. 

Democratic Association, Isl. 

Democrats, opiiosed to North Bridge, 
115: headipiarters open every 
evening, 1S2 ; leaders in 1851. 182. 

Denisou, Wm.. 37. 

Denslowf, Nicholas, 14- 

Desmond. Michael .f., 211, 21.5. 

Devine. Wm. H., Dr., 211; rai)i(l pro- 
motions, 215: chief marshal 
I'Aacuation Day parade, 470. 

Dm'on, Coiudy of, 9. 

Dewart. Wm.' H., Rev., rector St. 
:\latthew's Church, .'ISO. 

Dewev, Camp, named itfter the 
Admiral, 211. 

Dewev, Thos., 14. 

Dcwire, Mr., 137. 

Dexter, (4eo. S., 152. 

Dickerniau, Thos.. 20. 

Dike. Col., 94. 

Dill, .loshua M., master Andrew 
School, .337: correction, 479. 

Dillaways, their house, 20',i: Cluis.o. 

L..223: W. F. L.,223. 

Dimocke, Thos , 14, 20. 

Dinsmore. C. A.. Rev., rector Phil- 
lips Church, .357. 

Dix iV P.riiilc\ Chcniical works, 123. 

Dodge, Kphnum, 131; hotel, 142; 150: 
\- Co.. provision store, 171. 

Doherty, ('has. .]., lirst accident to 
Ma.ss. boys in Si)anish war, 211; 
Jos. F , commodore Columbia 
Yacht Club, 403. 

Dole, Surgeon, killed ;it Nook Hill, 
SO. 

Donahue, Jos. S., died in Si)anisli 
war, 210; Patk..l.,died in Spanish 
w.ir, 2 hi. 

Donovan. Dennis, Cai>t., police sta- 
tion 0, 437. 

Donnelly, John A., Rev, Church of 
the Rosary, 370. 

Dorchester, 1, 3; settlement, 0;7, 8, 
10; name changed to, 12: 14,10, 
18,19,20, 24: inhabitants few in 
nundiers, 25; contributes to Har- 
vard College, :!8: 44, 45, 47, 48, 4!1, 

.5(1, 51,. 52, 55, ,5('): troubled by ap- 
I)roacliof FrtMKdi fleet, 59 ; 00 ; big 
celebration because of repeal of 
Stamp Act, 01: compliments Bos- 
ton merchants, oi ; resolutions 
liassed in relation to Colonial 
affairs, 01; takes first .step in 
Province tax, 77; 79,87; number 
of fannlies in 1776,93; loses por- 
tion of its territory, lOO; 108, 120; 
burying ground, 127: 141, 170,205; 
no regularly organized police 
force, 431. 

Dorchester Ave. St. Railway Co., in- 
corporated, 177. 

Dorchester Bay, ;i, 4,11, 17G; on the 
south of South Boston, 20,5; dis- 
tances, 206; location, 268-269; 



magnilicent place for yachts, 270; 
the life s;i\ lug station! 271. 

Dorchester P.ay j.ife Saving Station, 
its inceittion, i)etition for ;ind 
workers in its behalf,. 271-272-273; 
desci-i|ition of the station, 272; its 
kee|iers, 273. 

Dorchester, Canada. 40. 

Dorchester Chinch, covenant, .33. 

Dorchester Colony, 4, 12, 00; rejoic- 
ing, 61, 

Dorchester, Fug,, 4, 7, 1.'., 47, 

Dorchester Heights, 22, 05, 08; Wasli- 
ingtou deti'rmined to march on 
them, 76; tien, Thomas marches 
on, 77; 78; sunrise reveals forts 
on, 78; 79; attack expected, but 
frustrated, 81 ; 82, 83 ; one regiment 
left, 89; commandini;- the harbor, 
89 ; 90, 9.;, 94, 95, 9s, 121, 127 : again 
fortilicd, 132; 14(1, 157: purchased 
by the city, 158; ].59, 170; first me- 
morial iilaced tliere, 310; large 
monument conceived, agitated 
for, erected and its description, 
321. 

Dorchester Heights Monument, dedi- 
cated, 470; Dr. Riiddick, Col. 
Bradley, J. J. Toomey, the com 
mittee of citizens, 47(i:"conmiittee 
on the part of the state. 470; .stale 
and city approiniations for dedi- 
cation, 47(1 : Dr. Devine, cliief 
marshal, 470: exercises of dedi- 
cation in High School, 478; ban- 

(piet in e\'el]ing, 478 

Dorchester Hill, loVatiou, 23. 

Dorchester Hills, S5. so, 

Dorchester Lower Mills. 14. 

Dorchester & Milton Turnpike, 114, 
122. 136. 

Dorchester Neck, 7; name changed 
to, 13; 18, 20, 21, 22; division of 
lands, 23; portion reserved for 
cattle, 23: 37, 38; owners of lands 
at, .'iS : :f.\ 40 ; varied values of land 
at, 42: lands change hands after 
1700, 42: 5(1, .52, 57, .58, 60: nine 
dwellings in 1775, 0.3 ; 64: :iM;ick by 
P>ritish troo|):<, 69: buildings set 
tire, 70: account of raid from Brit- 
ish standpoint, 73: 77,80,93: num- 
ber of tauiiliesinl776, 93; fortili- 
catiolis improved. 9:'>; 94: little 
.■ittention to fortilications, 95; 96; 
but little progress in the 18th 
centniv. 97:98.99,101), 104; name 
cliang(''(l to South Boston, 106; 
los, 109; liill passes for annexa- 
tion, 110; 153. 

Dorchester Point, 84, 94, 9.5, 100. 

Dorchester Road, 08. 

Dorchester Schools, 37, 

Dorchester soldiers, 41, 44. .50. 51, 95. 

Dorchester St. .M. F. Church, sfjirted, 
194: history and location and suc- 
cession of rectors, .•iS.5-386. 

Dorr, AVm.. 2.;(i; Wm P... lawyer, 172. 

Itorset. Count\ of, 9. 

Dor- vishirc, s". 

Do\er St. Bridge, 137. 

Downer \ .Vnstin Oil Works, 175. 

Downer's Kerosene Oil Works, 239. 

Drake, Albert, teacher of Hawes 
School, 222; Francis S,, refers to 
Knox, 69; Henry A.. 230; school 
named after him, 346; Jeremy, 
145; his house, 166; 177, 180; treas- 
urer of gas ct)mpany, 2.30. 

Drake School, history and location, 
345. 

Dress, etc., 25. 

Diew, Wm., Col., 230. 

Driscoll, Henry S., died in Spanish 
war, 479; M". J^Cajit., 230. 

Drummond, Rev. Fr., 141; Lord, 88. 

D St. M. K. Church, 386. 

Dudley House, 08. 

Duel, at Dorchester Neck, 96. 

Duncan, Nathaniel, 9, 14, 21, ;54, 50. 



INDEX 



Hiiiiham. .losiali, house, i:'.'.t ; 11.", HC, 
l(r>, 17:!; i\>\w makers, building 
and house, 208: sketch, 227; 230; 
.losiali, Jr., 145, 165, 17.3; rope 
makers, 2.i0. 

Duuhain's ropewalk. 2;;',1. 

Dunn, .lohn H., Capl., IVk 

Diuiton, I.arkiu, second tcaeluT ol 
L iwrenee School. Ml. 

Dulcli .Manhattan, .30 

Duvivier, 91. 

Uwyer, Geo., 21. 

Degen, H. V., Kev., 172. 

Dyer, Geo., 9, 14, 18, :«i. 

EAllL'S SOAP FA('T()i:V,23i). 

East and West HilLs, 22. 

East IiKlia. 03. 

Eaton X: Dupee, lumber dealers, 172. 

Edison Electric Light Co., location 
and plant, 401. 

Eeles, J()lm,14,21. 

Egaii's, Lawrence, private school, isi;. 

Eggleston, Bigot, 14, 18. 

Eliot, John, 14, 38. 

Ellis, Frediuick O., master of Xor- 
cross School, 347. 

E:ilis, James, Co., furniture dealers, 
4G3. 

Kllnis, Archibald, boot and shoe 
dealer, 171. 

Elwell Kobert, ir,. 

Eiuersley, John, house. 139, 2(i8. 

Emerson, G. & Son, boots and .shoes, 
171; J. 170; Komanus, 142: house, 
144; 10.5; sketch 227. 

Einerscm Street. '-Old Road," 21. 

Endicott, Gov John. 4 ; lirst governor 
of Massachusetts, 8: to, 44, 48. 

Engines, Eire, — 1 Company, 445,450; 2 
Comiianv, 444, 445, 4.50; 15 Com- 
pany, 148. 445, 4.50; 38 and I'.ii Coni- 
. pauy, 449, 4.50 ;43 Company, 440, 4.">h ; 
Bangor 104; Hawes 15,445; Maz- 
eppa, 104, 105, 181. 443, 444, 445; 
Perkins, 165, 181, 444; Koxbury, 
IM; Spinney, 444. 445; Suffolk, 165. 

England, 3, 4, 6, 16, 17, 20, 45, 48, ,50, .52 ; 
war with France. .59; 60, (iti, 68, 81, 
123. 

English Colonies, 59. 

Euglislnnen,2, 44; great opposition to 
the English government, 60 ; 90. 

English press denounces Gen. Howe, 
90. 

English soldiers, become numerous in 
■ Boston. 05. 

English tyianny, blow to, 89. 

Episcopalians, ;555. 

Episcopal Church Home, established, 
185; history, description and loca- 
tion, 420-421. 

Epler, Percy H., Rev., assistant 
pastor Phillips Church and 
Chapel, 357: severs connection, 
480. 

Essex County, 24. 

Essex Glass Works, 123. 

E Street Congregational Clun-ch. 40. 

Estates, re;il and personal, valuations 
in South lioston at various ix-riods 
after 1804, 241. 

Europeans, 4, 13. 

Evans, William, 149 

Evans Railroad Bridge, 149. 

Everett, Ebenezer, 130; Edward, 
Hon., describes the probabl(> 
surroundings of (ien. Washington 
on Dorchester Heights, 78 ; Moses, 
Rev., 04, 130. 

Ewins. Richard, 45. 

FAIKBAXIvS, LEWIS, carpenter, 

146. 
Fairchild, Joy H., Rev., 163, 172. 
Fairfield, 44. 
Falmouth. Eng.. 2. 
F'alvey Bros. Co., location, history 

and growth of business, 461. 
Faneuil' Hall, general meeting on 



bridue matter, 115; the m;irket, 
108. 

Farm School, 37. 

F'arnsworth, Joseph, 21; 38: Samuel, 
51 

Farrington, Mr., house on Emerson 
St., 6;{: .lohn, house owner at end 
isth ciMituiv, 90: John. 2nd., 106. 

Fay. Kichard, 15. 

F'Cilkes, lleiuy. 15. 

l'"enu, I'.enianun, 21. 

Fenno, Mr., house, 142. 

Fenton. Thomas F , died in the Siiaii- 
ish W,ir. 210. 

Ferries, 57, los, 131. 

Field. I'.arnuni, teacher in Hawes 
School. 219; (ieorge V.,224. 

Filer, Walter, 15 

Fire Department, its history and 

growth. 442; Aerial Truck & 

Ladderls. location, 480; ...Engine 
Co. 1. house erected 445; 450; ... 
Engine 2, .1,50; ..Engine 15, 148, 
4.51);. ..F.n-nie us— 39, 449-4.50; ... 
Bradlee Hose Carriage 10,descrip- 
tion and loealion, 445; ..Han- 
cock Hook & Ladder 5, descrip- 
tion and location 445: . . I,aw- 
rence I lose Carriage 9, description 
and location 44.5; ...Mazeppa 17, 
afterward 1, lirst engine, 443; 
known as Engine 1,444; descrip- 
tion and location 44.5-4.50: .. 
Perkins 16, afterward 2, loc:i- 

tion 444;4!5u; Spinney, S. R. 14, 

afterward 2. 444; description and 
location 445, 4.50:... Walter E. 
Hawes 15, description and loca- 
tion. 44.5, 450: — First water 
engine in Boston 442; lirst lire 
wards f<n- S. B., chosen, 443; lirst 
engine in S. B. 443; big change in 
the dei)artnient, 444: more 
changes, 447: succession of dis- 
trict ehlels, 440; S. B. companies 
and tliose in charge, 449: eipiip- 
nii-nt in 1901, 4.50. 

F-ire Department Hotel, 170. 

Fires, the lirst after annexation, 131 ; 
one in the Furnace Building, 131; 
one in C.regg & Esfes, i:il; one in 
est;iblislinieiitof.rohn Moore, 131; 
Ciiin's Glass Woiks burned, 131; 
SS. I'eter and Paul's Church, 164. 

Fire wards, 131. 

First Church of Charlestown, 129. 

First — water mill, 19, 49: members of 
General Court. 20; division of S. 
B., 20: to have exclusive privi- 
leges, 20 : street in Dorchester, 22 ; 
town meeting, (ciuestion) 32;town 
school I quest ion) 32; meeting- 
llouse erected, :',2 : free school, 34; 
free i)iil)lic school ui Ameiiea, 34, 
M; scliool conunitiee aulhori/.ed, 
:ir<: school named, 30, 14o; house, 
37, .'59, 55; commissioners of Dor- 
chester, 38; joining in wedlock. 
.38; recorder 38; association in 
Dorchester 42; mention of relig- 
ious wants, .53; wharf, .57; steps 
in the establishment of S. B ,110; 
manutactory iu S. B ,123; appro- 
prialioii for schools in S. B., 129: 
public conveyance 131; wiiarf, 131; 
police patrol, 1.31; fire after an- 
nexation, 131; fire wards, 1.31; 
engine. 131; foundry, 137: parish 
priest, 141, 362; undertaker, 146; 
charitable society, l-'iO: Catholic 
imdertaker, 161; Catholic book- 
store in Boston, 161 ; M. E. Church, 
163; dry goods store, 171: use of 
gas, ISO; probably the first judge, 
ls2 ; letter carrier, 184. 

Fish Lane, 137, 174 

Fislier. .lohn D., Dr., one of founders 
of Perkins Institution, 416. 

Fitzsiminons. Picv. Fr.. good to fire- 
men. 105: 172, 174: through his ef- 



forts SS. Peter and Paul's Cbur<'li 
built, 364. 

Five Corners, 40; limits of Washington 
Village, 18:5. 

Flags, first of the Union, hoisted, 68. 

" Flats, The," itlans begun for filling 
in, 180; filling in makes great 
cliangt> in the district, 287. 

Flood, .loseph, 1.5. 21. 

Flynn, Jeremiah, Deacon, meeting in 
' his house to organize South Bap- 
tist Church, 358. 

Fogg, l>r , 1^5, 230. 

Foley, .los. J., Lieut., 9tb Kegt., 211, 
215. 

Ford, .fohn, manager, Mt. Washing- 
ton Hotel, 150; Thomas, 9; 15; 
first application for freemansliip, 
18. 

Fort Hill, fortified, 89; abolition, 177; 
exod\is from 183; residents con- 
tinue to Mock to S. B., 206. 

Fort Independence, 21, 144. 

F'ort Point Cliannel, 9.5, i;J7; to the 
south of South Boston, 265; loca- 
tion and distanci's, 276. 

I'"orts, at Dorchester Pt., 93; Xos. I, 
2 and 3, 94; condition of those 
on Dorchester Neck, 94; Indepen- 
dence 21, 144. 

Fort Sumter, attacked, 187. 

Foster, Comfort, 53; llopestill, Capt., 
.37, :i9. 40: sketch, 50; death, .53; .55, 
97; llopestill, Jr., 40; Jas., 39; 
sketch, .50; death, 5.5; 97; Jas. Jr., 
55, 60, 70; James 3rd., 97 ; John :J7, 
55; Marv (Bates) 5U, 97; Stead- 
fast, .53: "Widow, 21. 

Fost(!r Estate, .53, 60, 04, 71. 

Foster Family, ,50 

Foster bouse, 39; location of estate, 
:)9: only house west of Dorchester 
St.,4U:the presumed time of de- 
struction, 40; .5:5, 63, 70, 71, 97. 

F'oster's Hill, location, 23; 7:5. 

Fottler, Lieut, William, poliue station 
0, 43S. 

Fourth ciiurch in Dorchester, 35 ; cor- 
rection. 479 

Fourth Presbyterian Church, organ- 
ized, 194; established, history of 
and succession of ministers, .392- 
393. , . . , 

Fourth Street Baptist Church, joined 
by So. Baptist Society. 190: con- 
solidated with the So. l'.aptist, 
;5.59; succession of ministers, :5t'>0. 

Fourth Universalis! Society. 163, 180_: 
changes name to Broadw;ty Uni- 
versalist 194; 388. 

F^>wlcr, .1. G., blacksmith, 172. 

P'owst, Wm., 45. 

Foxboro, 18. 

F'ox Hill, location, 23: 94 

Foye's Block, 143. 

Franite, war with, declared by Eng- 
land. .59: French fleet ai)proaches 
Dorchester, .59; disaster over- 
takes fleet and ends w;ir, .59; 102. 

Franklin Bank, 145, 1.50. 

Franklin Hall, 149. 163. 

" Freelove," shii>, .50. 

Free Will Baptist Chur<'li. 103, 161. 

French Block. 17:!. 

French, Stephen, 15. 

Fuller, Slei>hen P., 1'22; new survey 
ordered, 147. 

Fulton Iron Foundry, sketch. 234. 

Furnace 15uilding, 131. 

GAGE, THOMAS Gen., date arri- 
val in Boston, 6.6; sees no hope of 
securing obedience, 66; fortifies 
Boston Neck, 66; withdrawn from 
command, 68. 

Gallaglier, Chas. T.. Hon., 223: Thos. 
W., died in Sj)anish War, 216; 
Wm. Rev., 223. 

(iallard, Wm., first applications for 
freemansliip, 18. 



INDEX 



(ialloi). Humplirey, 15. 

Gardner, Henry, "collector I'rovince 
tax.ii:?: 130. 

Gas first introduced. ISO. 

Gaston School, built. i;i4; establish- 
ment, location and description, 
333; Master Barnes and stafT of 
teachers, 334. 

liaston, Wni., school named after 
him, 333. 

Gatidey, Albert F., died in Spanish 
Wjir, 'ilG. 

Gate of HeaNeu C'huirh, establislied 
185; oi'iiiination, history, tjrowtli 
of parish, description o'f old and 
new edifices, siu^cession of rec- 
tors, 3(59-370-371-372. 

Gaylord, Wm., 15. 

(Jazette, The (newspaper) 181. 

General Court, 4, fi, -20, .34, 30; no rep- 
resentative in 1687, 41 ; compensa- 
tion of rei^resentatives, 42; 46. 40, 
50, 101, 104; i)etition to incorporate 
certain persons to build street, 
109; petition for North Bridije, 
115. 

George Tavern, 68. 

George, Wni , 45. 

Gernian-Amei icaii Sinuiii.; Soc. his- 
tory and descriiiiioii di building, 
408. 

German Primary School, location 
and descrii)tion, 353 

Germans, 165. 

(ii'riish, Thoma.s, 106; his house, 138; 
107; brick-yards, 138; 16(;, 239. 

Gettysburg Command 19, U. \. U., 
history, 409. 

Gibson, Christopher, 15 ; tirst applica- 
tions for f reemansliip, is ; 21 : 
money bequeathed by, 37: fund. 
37. 

(;ill)ert, John, 15; 21. 

Giles, Gibbs, 15. 

Gill, Caleb, leading Democrat, 1S2, 
sub postmaster, l.S4. 

Gillctt, .lonathan, 15. 

(iipson, .lonas C, line of onuiiliuscs. 
150. 

(ilasgow, Briti-sh vessel, 61. 

(ilass making— American Flint (ilass 
Works, sketch, 238; Andrew 
Jones, sketch, 237: Mt. Washing- 
ton (Mass Works, 238; Phoenix 
Glass Works, sketch, 237; Suffolk 
(ilass Works, sketch, 238. 

(ilobe Locomotive Works, sketch, 
235. 

<;iobe Nail Works, 174; banciuet to 
Jolm Souther, is-j. 

(ilover, Jolui, 15; lirst ai)plication 
for freemanship, 18; 21; commit- 
tee on new meeting house, 34; 
Kalph, 15; applies for freeman- 
ship, 18 ; Stephen, sea captain, 2.30. 

Glynn Building, 107. 

Glynn, Uominick J., in battle of Man- 
■ ilia, 216. 

God, 3, 17 ; answers prayers, .59 ; 66, 90. 

(ioddard, Mr., in charge of fascines, 

Golden Bell Hotel, 127. 

Golden (,)ueeu Hotel, 170, 174. 

Goldsmith, Simon, Commodore S- B. 
V;icht Club, 401. 

Gonzaga, Sister, head of Carney 
Hospital, 415. 

Goodhue, Stephen W., 150: apothe- 
cary, 171 

Goodwin, E. H , Capt.. 181; Timothy, 
boots and shoes, 171. 

Gore, Jeremiah, 107; land at City Pt. 
161. 

Gosnold, Capt- Bartholomew, 2. 

Gould, Abraham, 96; possesst>s Foster 
estate, ;t7 ; 107, 126; largest indi- 
vidual land owner in the district 
1804, 127; provides lot for St. 
Matthew's Church, 127; house, 
139; sketch, 226. 



(ioyt. John, 15. 

(irace Episcopal Church, built. 194; 

history, location, description and 

succession of ministers, 381-382. 
Grant, Edmund, 15; Thomas, from 

Dorchester to King Phillip's 

War, 44. 
Graves, Admiral, 75. 
(!rav, HoUis K . 224; .lolui, 107. 
Great Britain, 75.93, i:J2. 
'MJreat Neck," location, 22; crt-eks, 

23. 

(Ircen & Davis, blacksnulhs, 172; 
James M., blacksmith, 174: 
Martin, died in Spanish War, 2l(!. 

(ircene. Gardner, one of projectors 
for S. B.,100; 118, 122: Gen.] 81,84; 
Wm C, 223. 

<;reen Store Battery, 80. 

(ireer, Capt., founder s. B. Yacht 
Club, his house, 209. 

(!regg& Estes' Building, 131 

Grenaway, .lolui, 15; applies foi- free- 
manship. IS; 21. 

(iricuis. Rev. .los .v.. pastoi- Lithu- 
anian Church, 37S. 

(Jridley, IMchnrd, iMigineer, 78, 03, 04. 

Gi'Imes, (ico , barber, 172. 

(IriswoM. Alexander \'., Itev., lirst 
minister St. Matthew's Chinch. 
379. 

Groton, 44. 

Groves. Isaac, boots and shoes, 171. 

(iulliver, .lohn. 45. 

Gurney, David, house of, 1.39. 

(ivnniasia. Commonwealth Park. 
(sometimes called D St.,^ built. 
201 ; idanned and built, tlescrip- 
tioii, 307-308-309; Ward 15, monev 
api)ropriated for site, 309; loca- 
tion, 309: progress of work, 3lo. 

HAINES, .los.. house, 106. 

Hale, D:ivid,223. 

llalifiix, British troops sail for,0(;:S5: 
P.ritish tlcct, sail for, 87: SO, 141. 

H;ill, Nathaniel, 15. 

Halls,— Brooks, 1.50; Clan-na-Gael, 
163; Dahlgren, 22, 40, 70; F'aneuil, 
115; Fraidvlin, 149. 163; Harding's 
163; churcli services. 104; Har- 
rison, 17-1; Lvceum, location, 1.52; 
171, 174; I'ulaski (I wards start for 
war from, iss; Masonic, isl; Mt. 
Washington, ISI ; St." Michael's, 
used by car strikers in 1887, 205: 
Spclman, 1S2. 

Ham. Alonzo (;.. tirst master Thos. 
N. Hart School, 349. 

Handin, H., |)rovision store, 171. 

Hamnnnid, Horace, line of omni- 
buses, 1.50; Thos., tailor, 172. 

Hammonds, Thos., house, 139. 

Hancock, .John, Pres., Washington 
writes him, ,S2. 

Hangings, 134. 

Haniium. Wm., 14. 

Hanson, .Fohn, carixntei-, 146. 

Hiirding. :\lr., house, 139; Wm. H.. 
once master Lawrence School, 
230. 

Harding's Hall. 163: church services 
held, Ifrl. 

Hardon, Henry C, master Shurtleff 
School, 340. 

Hallow, Ezra, 223. 

Harrington, James, 107; .Jas. 3rd., 
107; Jos. J., teacher in Hawes 
School, 221; Mr., house, 63; 144; 
Kufus, 107; S(iuire, 142. 

Harris Bros., brick kilns, 141; Elislia, 
yacht builder, 175; Johanna, 51; 
John A., writing teacher Hawes 
School, 222; Josei)h, carpenter, 
146; Mr., hou.se, 140. 

Harris familv, house, 166. 

Harris's Block, 167. 

Harris's Folly. 208. 

Harrison Hall, 174. 



Hart, Thos. N., Mayor, school named 

after him, 349. 
Hart. Thos. N., School, built, 194; 
history, dedication, description, 
Master I) wight and staff of teach- 
ers, 340. 

Hartshorn, Oliver, land owner, ISO), 
107. 

Harvard College, .38, 40. 

Haskell's Block, 167. 

Hatch, Thos., 14: 21. 

Hathoinc. Wm., 14; 20. 

Hawes, John, 128; sketch. 1:50; 217; 
sketch, 217 ; gives land for ceme- 
teiy and for school bearing his 
name, 218: church, 380. 
ILiwes Inirviug-ground, 63: history, 
303-304. 

Hawes fund, 217: executors of will, 
217: trustees incori)orated, 217; 
S. B. School of Art, 218; several 
houses of worship erected bv 
fund. 218; list of trustees of fund, 
from 1831, 218; maintenance of S. 
B. Art School, ,354. 

Hawes Hall, 223. 

Hawes house, 137. 

Hawes .luvenlle association, 222. 

Hawes PI. Congregational Society, 
organized, fjs: 130, 180. 

Ha\\es Prima r\ School, 3.32. 

Hawes Scl 1, meeting held there by 

the bridge advoc;ites, 115: estab- 
lished, 1.30; 131. 140, 145, 146, 149, 
162; recollections of Benj. Whitte- 
more, 175; isi ; the tirst school in 
S. B., 210; city petition in vain, 
219; succession of teachers, 219; 
singing school established, 219; 
name given to school. 220; music 
introduced into school by school 
committee, 222; changed into 
lirim;iry school for Bigelow and 
Hawes disti'ict, 222; renamed 
Hawes ll;dl, 223; boys received 
the F'rankiiii medal, 223; names 
of some graduates, 223. — free 
evening school, 182. 

Hawes School Boys" association, 223. 

Hawes School Girls' association, or- 
ganized, 223. 

Hawes Unitarian Church, 22, 63. 137. 
143, 170; various churches erected 
by fund, 218; history and descrii)- 
tion and succession of ministers, 
389. 

Hawkins, Mr., 20. 

Hayden, Abel, house, 142: Henry, 
carpenter, 146; .John, 14: 20; 
Nathaniel, house, 142. 

Hayes, .las., recalls old times, ■j07. 

Heath, (len., his (li:ir\-, 70-s(i; 94. 

Hensha, Daniel, Corporal. 45. 

Ilerrick, Jacob, i>olice patrol, 131. 

Hersey, Francis C, 224. 

Hersey Mnt'g. Co., history, giowth 
and location, 455-456. 

Hewins, Benj., 45. 

Hicks, Samuel 45. 

Hi<dvey, Jas. F"., Sergt., police station 
12, 441. 

Hickson, Edwards , apothecary, 171. 

Higginson, 8: Stephen L., 107. 

High School, work commenced, 194 : 
tablet to Spanish War soldiers, 
325 ; :mit;ition for one, historv, de- 
scription, location, 327-328-320-330. 

Hill Deacon, house, 174; Ebenezei', 
fought in King I'hillip's Wai, 44: 
Jolni, Mr., 14; 20; Mrs. Sanuiel, 
tirst ])resident Samaritan Soc, 
1.50. 

"Hill, Gill, Still,'' three fannliar 
stores, 184. 

Hills, — Beacon, 81, 84: Bird, 86: 
Breed's, 79 : Broadway, 285 ; Bunk- 
er, 78; Bush Tree, 23; name 
changed 286; Cobble, 76, 77, 82; 
Dorchester, 23 ; Dorchester 
Heights, 22; East and west, 22; 



INDEX 



Fuit, ,s'.t; Foster's -IS: Fox, 23. 04; 
Jones, 51 : Leek, 23, 63, Stt; Middle, 
22, 98 ; jMt. Wsisliington, 285 ; Nook , 
1, 22, 23, 71, 76, 83, 84, 86, 8!); I'ros- 
l>ect, 66, 74, 77: Signal Tree, 23: 
Strawberry, 23, 5r>; Telegraph, 
ptn-chased for public park. 183; 
285 : Twill, 23. 55, 167, name cliang- 
ed, 285; Winter, 66, 74. 

Hills, Thos., president S. 15. S;ivini;s 
Hank, 429-430. 

Hoar Bros., yacht builders, 175. 

Hobb's Lane. 137, 142. 

Holbrook. Jos., master builder, 14i;. 

Holcoinbe, Thos., 14. 

Holland, 3; John, 14, 20, 

HoUcy. John. 14. 

Hohiian, Kbeiiezer, of eonimittee to 
rinioiistrate against amie.xatioii, 
nil ; .John, 14; 20. 

Holmes, Davis, 126; hotel, 1.39:knowii 
as "I'a," 13!); 165, 170; Corpor;il 
Geo., 45 ; 'Sir., house, 142. 

Holton, John, hotel proprietor. 174. 

Homaiis, ('apt. .lolui. 63. 

Home (;uar<ls, in Civil War, 192. 

Hoi)kins, Stephen, of committee to 
prepare letter of thanks to Wasli- 
inutoii. 90. 

Horam. ^H..si, ,S4. 

Hosford. Wm., 14. 

Hoskins. .John, 14; aiiplies tor free- 
manship, 18. 

Hotels, — Broadway, 126;Citv Point. 
170, 174: Kire Department, 170; 
Golden Ball. 127; Golden (.tueen, 
170, 174: .Mt. Washineton, 1.50,174; 
Railroad House. 169; South 
Boston, 126; jiarties, 169; Twelfth 
Ward, 126, 170. 

House for Juvenile Offenders, 163. 

House of Commons. 61. 

House of Correction. 131, 152, 163, 176, 
its historv, location, and succes- 
sion of imisters, 421-422-423-424. 

House of Hidustrv, 131: removal, 1,52: 
163. 

House of Lords, 61. 

House of liefornuition, 131, 1.52, 163. 

House (if Kei)resentatives, 113, 114 
115; nieml)crs from South Boston, 

;itler IS75, 241. 

Houses. (•Ii;inge in style, 25: 17 on the 
l)eninsula.53: number on Neck at 
time of attack, 70. 

Houston, Wm. 1'., carpenter, 170. 

How, Hall J.. 165. 176. property Itonglit 
for Carncv Hospital, 185;" sketch, 
227: Samuel, 63. 

Howard, Mr., 34. 39, hou.se. 142; 
Kobert. 36; W. H.,r24. 

Howard's Bi'ass Foundry, 2.39. 

Howe, Gen., placed in command of 
troops, 68: orders troops to land 
on Dorchester Neck, 69-70; feels 
secure. 75: surprised, 79; could 
not think of yieldingtlie town, 80; 
forced to abandon liis jdan of at- 
tack, 81; makes threats, 82: 84: 
hastens preparations. 8i'.; 87; (con- 
duct dui-ing the seige. 90. 

Howe, Cranston, 1.58; grocery store, 
173: John. Esq., of committee to 
remonstrate against annc^xation, 
101: Maik A. De Wolfe, teacher 
in Uawes School. 220: Sanuiel (t. 
Dr., his homestead. 56; 71. 158; his 
house, 167: 230, school named after 
him, 340; sent abroad for informa- 
tion, 417. 

Howe, Samuel G.. Dr.. School, loca- 
tion and description, 340. 

Howes, John, 104: Osljorne, 224. 

Hoyt, Simon, 14. 

Hubbard, Wm., applies for freeman- 

\ ship, 18. 

Hulbert, Wm., 14. 

Hull, Geo., 14: 20. 

Humphrey, Hopestill, tights in King 
Phillip's War. 44; Jonas, 20. 



Humphreys. " Dr." Henry, 172. 
Humplnies, .las., executor Hawes 

will, 130. 
Hmitinti. Col., superintendent of 

street--, 182; Mr., 127, house, 1.39. 
Huntington, CoI., 70. 
Husay. llobert, 45. 
Ilnlchhison. Mr ,20: Mrs., house, 139: 

I'., hotel )>roprietor, 170. 
Huxtable, .Jas., Kev. rector, Hawes 

Church, .{91. 

lNI)FI'I':NDl':XCli; S(,)IAHK. 23 OS: 
set apart for recreation grounds, 
ISO; 286; projected, 297: area, 298. 

Independents, (religious) 3 

Indians, 3. 4, 10, 13, 14,38: cause but 
litth' trouble, 43; 44, 4.5,50: citizens 
ilisguised as, destroy tea, i't^r. 
South ICnd citizens disguised as, 
and cut away Cob Wliarf, near 
Dor<-liester turnpike, 114; 1.54; 
till' seal of the Connnonwealth, 3, ; 
Neponsel, 3. 1.;, 43; Mohawks. 4) : 
.Ma'-sachnsetts. l:{, 43: trouble 
elsewliere in New l^ngland, 43: 
l*e(|uots, 43, 44; Wamp;inoags, 44. 

Industries — number of b\isiness 
houses in Soutli Boston in 1901, 
classilicd, 4.53: Adams I'ruding 
Press i*t Macliine Shojis, 234; 
Algrr's l'"onndry, 231; Alger & 
Uced's Forge, .sketch, 236; Bay 
State Iron Co., 236; Boston Cord- 
age Co., 2;)9; Brainerd's Wagon 
I'"actorv, 2.39: Briiig's Ship vard, 
sketch, 236: Brook's Ship >ard. 
sketch, 236; Burton's ropewalk, 
2;!9; Carey. 1*. F., furniture bouse, 
463; Coney's Foundry, sketch, 235; 
Corney, Jas. H. »■<: Co., dry goods, 
461 : Cotton & Hill's Chain Factory, 
145, 174; sketch, 236: Cul)a Iron Co., 
239; Dix & Brinley Chemical 
Works, 123; Downer's Kerosene 
Oil ^^'orks, 239: Dunham's rojn'- 
walk, 2,39; Earl's Soap Factory, 
23!); Edison Electric Light Co.. 
H'A: ]':ilis, Jas. Co., furniture 
bouse, 4(;3: Essex Glass Works, 
123; I'"alvcy Bros. Co., dry goods, 
histor> and location, 4(11 ; I''idton 
Iron Foundry, sketch. 2:i4 : (iei-- 
risli's bi'icky;u'd, 23ii . Glolic I.oco- 
nuitive Works, sketch. 235; llcrsev 
.Mnfg. Co.. its history, location 
andm-owtli of busi'ness, 4.55; 
Howaiil's Brass Foundry, 239; 
Jenncy Mnfg. Co., history, loca- 
tion and growth, 457; Lawley, 
(ieo. & Son, Corporation, 463; 
JiOriim's Works, 235, sketch, 237: 
Matta'paii Works, j:;;!: Miscellan- 
eo\is indusirii's, da^-ili. il. in 1901, 
464: .Mt.Wa-hingt oik; lass Works, 
sketch, 238; jiluriiliy's Corner, 
historv and location, 459: Murrav 
& Tregnrtha Co., 463: National 
INIagazine, 463: Norway Iron 
Works. 2:59 ; Phoenix Glass Works, 
123, 237; I'lough Factory. 239: 
Quigley & I'rav, furniture house, 
462; So. Boston Iron Co., 124; 
sketch, largest in country at one 
tinu>. 231 ; many such esta'blished, 
125: Stevens, Ingalls ,!\; Co., brass 
founders, 239; Sulfolk (ilass 
Works, sketch. 2as; Sntfolk Lead 
Works, 239; Sylvester's Machine 
Shoi)s, 239; Union Works, 235; 
Washt)urn's Wire Works, sketch, 
236: Wheelwright's ship yard, 
sketch, 236; Woods, S. A. Machine 
Co., history, Uxiation, etc., 458. 
Institutions. — Carney Hospital, es- 
tablished, 185: its history and 
noble work, 413: new out paticMit 
deiiaitmeiit building dedicated. 
480. F)iiscop;il Church Home, es- 
tablished. 185: historv. 421); House 



ot Coirectioll. 1.31. l.V.', 163; history 
and suiM-cssion of masters, 421: 
abandoned and prisoners trans- 
ferred to Deer Island, 4.s0; — 
Mouseof Indnstrv. i:n. 152,163; — 
House for Juvenile oneiiilers,16:j; 
— House of lieformation. l.'tl, 152, 
16:!; — Libraries, i;h;. sketch, 42.5; 
Lunatic Asylum. 131. 1.52; — Mat- 
tapan Deposit and Trust Co., 428; 
change ill |iresidenls, 4sO; — 
Mt. Washiiigtoii ('(t-operative 
B;ilik. history and ollicers. 430; — 
Municipal C()urt. est iibll shed. 196: 
district courts established by act 
of Legislature. 424: hisioiy and 
location. 424:— Perkins Institu- 
tion for the Blind, 22, 56, 149: gets 
possessifui of Alt. Washington 
Hotel, 1.50; 176; liislory and loca- 
tion, 416;— Post Oflice, history 
and succession of superinten- 
dents, 426; suit stations, 428 — 
South Boston Savings Bank, 152; 
historv and location and oflicers, 
429. 

Ireland. 161. 162. 

Irvine, Cap!.. 84. 

Irving, Washington, 7s. 

Isle of Wight, 8. 

JACKSON. EBKN, 166. his house, 
173: Henry. 45; Rev. 163,104. 

Jamaica Pond, 140. 

.James, Benj., carjienter, 170; promi- 
nent in citv government, 182; 230; 
Chas. L., "223: Edward B.. 22:;; 
Elisha F. 223; Geo. B.. 223; 230. 

Janes, H. B. & Co., tailors. 172. 

Jay, Jolm, one of committee to pre- 
pare vote of thanks to Geii. 
Washinirton, 9o. 

Jeffrevs. Tlios.. 14 

Jenkins. .Joshua, isi ; Solon, house. 
166; 230; Theoi)liilus, leading 
Democrat, 182: W. ('.. furniture 
store, 171. 

Jenney Mnfg. Co.. hist<uy. location 
and growth, 457-4.'''8. 

Jenney. Bernard, 224. 45S: Francis H. 
224:" Steplien, his house, 173; 
Walter, 4.58. 

Jennison. luisign Wm . .joins Indian 
exiiedition. 44. 

.lerseys. The. 6(;. 

Johns"oii.Capt .in King Phillip's war, 
44: Sir Isaac. 6. 8: Mr. 14: R.J. 
Rev.. :i71. 

.lohnson's Landing. aban<loned, 2o4. 

.lolinslon. Wm.. 123. i:;9. 

Jones. Atherton. committee for new 
nieetingliouse. :m ; Ebenezer, 41: 
sketch. 51 ; .56, i)9 ; Edwai'd. super- 
intendent first gas company, 180; 
I<-habod. 57, 99; Isaac. 39, 41: 
sketch. 51: 56: .John. 45: Mr. ;!9; 
Richard. 14. 20: Thos.. 14. 20; 
signed church covenant. 34 

.Jones Est:ite, .53. 

.Tones familv. .50, 51, 57. 

.Jones Hill, 51. 

.lones house. .53. 

Jordan. Wm. L , dry goods. 171 

Josias. 13. 

KEATING, JAS., of Pulaski Guanls, 
165; Joliii H., brave soldier, 230. 

Keene, Elden r., died in Spanish 
War. 216. 

Kelly. Jos. J., Adjt., 211, 215; chosen 
major. 215; Timothy J., sunk the 
."MeVrimac. 216: Thos. .1., in the 
Battle of Manila, 216. 

Kelton. Thos.. 45. 

Kenible, Stephen, Col. 7:i. 

Kennedy, Wm. B., at head Total Ab- 
stinence Society, 181. 

Kenneys. 165, 

Kent, H. A., carpenter, 170; Mr., 168. 

Kiley. M. .1.. Capt..'224. 



INDEX 



Kiiiiliall. Otis F., Cai)t.. station 12, 

4;«); Wanvn, provision store, 171. 
Kiinberlev, Tlios., U. 
King (icorgc HI, 1. 
King .lames I, 3. 
King I'liilliii, deatli of, 45. 
King I'liilliii's war, 44. 
King St., I'.ritisli troops niareli up. lU 
Kiniiersley, Thos., 2o. 
Kinsli'y, .lolin, 20; signed eluucli 

covenant, :54. 
Kirl<palriel<, Jolni. Kev., reetor 

Fonrtli I'resbyierian ('lun'cli, :vx'-. 
Knapp, Henrv (' , <li<'il in Spanisli 

War, 2ii;. 
Kniglit, Jolm, ^[r.. -Jii. 
J\iiox, Henry, Col., returns to Cam- 

liridge witli anmuuiition.fis : fi9, 74, 

76. 

LABORER'S rXIOX, 17:!. 

Lafayette Banli. l.V, 174. 

Lafornie, Fredk. 1'..224; Nineeiit, 230. 

Lalve, Tlios , one of first settlers, 23: 
early land owner at Dorchester 
Neck, 39. 

Lally, Tatk., machine shoj), 175. 

Laniale. Franels, house. 139. 

Lambert, Thos., 14: 20. 

Lamb's Dam, G9, 77, 79, 80, 82, 85. 

Lincaster, 44. 

Lancaster, British vessel. 01. 

L:ine, Mary. 5(1: Michael. Rev., first 
liastor St. ^'ill<•ent's Churcli, :;7:;; 
Win., 20. 

Laverv, Fraid<, 141: .lohn, 141; .lolin 
H., 141; Wm., 141. 

Lawley, (Geo.) & Son, Corp., varlil 
builders, 463 

Lawrence, Amos, school named after 

e , him, 338. 

Lawrence Association. 3.38. 

Lawrence School, 22, 23, 86, 137; dedi- 
cated, ISO; tablet placed on 
school, 319; institution and occu- 
pation of first building, ;B7; de- 
scription, .3.38, Master Leonard 
and teachers, .340. 

Lawrence and Mather Scliool Asso- 
ciation, liistory and succession of 
l>resideiits, 4rj. 

Lead Factory. 175. 

Learned. Col'., 84. 

Le:irn.'d"s Regt., SO. 

Leavilt. .rohn, 14; Thos.. jiofel pro- 
prietor, 170. 

Lechmere's Point, works strength- 
ened, 69; 76, 77, ,S2. 85. 

Lee, Henry, ship, 144. 

Leeds, John, 45 ; Thomas, house. 96; 
107. 

Leek Hill, location, 23; 53, 86. 

Legislature, 20,9.5. 104; passed bill for 
annexation of S. B., 104: los, i(i;i; 
joint connnittee rejiorts fa\tir- 
ably on bridge compromise, llo: 
amiexing Neck to Boston, lio: 
incoriior'ating jiroprii'tors Boston 
Free Bridge, llo; incorporating 
Front St. corporation, 110: Bos- 
ton Free Bridge authorized, 113; 
114; grant petition for Boston 
North Free Bridge. 116; repeals 
provision of payment for vessels 
passing South Bridge, 119; autho- 
rizes sale of South Bridge, 119. 

Li'onard, Amos M., master Lawrence 
Scliool, .341; Michael F., died in 
Sjianish war, 216; & Co., soap 
manufac^turers, 175. 

Leslie, Lieut.. 69, 73. 

Lesstock, Admiral, 59. 

Lewis, Asa, 131. 

Library branches, Andrew Square 
(Station Y), opened, 196; historv 
and location, 425 . . . S. B. brancli. 
opened, 196; history and location, 
425. 

Lincoln. (!en.,93; suppresses Shay's 
Rebellion, 95; Fredk. W., Mayor, 



school named after him, .342; 
Jairns, teacher in Hawes School, 
219; & Burrill, boot and shoe 
dealer, 171. 

Lincoln Guards, Civil "V\'ar. 192. 

Lincoln Park, location and origina- 
tion, 299. 

Lincoln School, 137; established, 158; 
174: dedicated, 186: erected, tlie 
first at City ]'t. section, 223: date 
of establisbnient, school divided, 
descrii)tion, succession of mas- 
ters, 342 ; ^Master White and teach- 
ers, :i44; change in master, 479. 

Lion. ship. 17. 

l.ipiiitt, (i. W., Kev.. 172. 

Lillniani;iii Church, on 7th St.. and 
clmrch destroyed by tire, 196; 
history, tb'sciiption of new church 
and rc'ctor, 3 7 7-:; 78-379. 

"Little Neck." mouth of, location, 
18; 22: creeks at, 23. 

Locke, Will. S., l.'iG; recalls old times, 
208; graduate of Hawes School, 
224. 

Logan. Edward L., 211,215; L. .T., 
Col.. 211 : takes command of regi- 
ment in Cnlia. 212: 215. 

Lomliard.Thos., ai>plies for freeman- 
ship. 18. 

London, 9. 

Long Island, 44. 

Long. .Fos., 45. 

Long Wharf, British regiments land 
in 1768, 61. 

Lord, John, 45: S.S., .Tr., blacksmith, 
172. 

Loring, Israel, 107. 

Loring's, Harrison, Works, S'..',, ■_>37. 

Lovell, Wm.,Cai)t., 14. 

Lovis, F. A., lawyer, 172 

Lowell, John, Es(i., 95. 

Loyalists, 89. 

Lucas, Winslow B., Sergt., 223. 

Ludlow, Roger, 9. 11,14; applies for 
freemaiiship, 18: sketch, 48. 

Lunatic Asylum, 131, 1.52. 

Lunenberg, l.'iO. 

Lyceum Hall, location, l.">2: 171, 174; 
Pulaski Guards start for war, 188. 

Lyme, 41, 92. 

Lyndon, P. F., Rev., SS. Peter and 
Paul's Church, first, in Gate of 
Heaven Church, 370. 

Lvon. Eliab, 45: Henrv. 45. 

Lyons, Jos. A., President City Point 
Catholic Assoc, 406. 

MAHOXEY, T. J., Rev., 230. 

Maine, 2, 49. 

Makepeace, Thos., 14,20. 

Maiden, 13. 

Mauley, Commodore, .84. 

Mann, Albert W.. 224: Ephraim, 95, 
96; \. P., 128; grocery store, 167, 
224. 

^lann estate, 72. 

Mann house, 63. 

Manninus, Widow, 39. 

MaiilcN-; Matthew, 45. 

Marine park. 23, Itil ; origination, 204; 
largest in the district, 291 : history 
and progress of the work,'_".i3 : boat 
service, 294; nuinv improvements 
in the park, 296 ; total area, 296; 
Artificial Island, 266. 267: Castle 
Island, 293: Farragut Statue. 294; 
history, etc., 317; Head house, 
jrrogress of construction, 294: 
Pier, 266; Public Landing, 266, 
296. 

INIarket places, 120, l.'JO. 
Marlboro, 44. 

Marmaid, British vessel, 61. 
Marshall, Moses, 96, 107; Mr., house, 

63; Thos., 15. 
Marshes, 23. 
Marshfield, Thos.. 15.- 
Marsh's Wharf, 164. 



Martin, Mr., 20; W. D., gents' fur- 
nishings, 172. 

Martin, British vessel, 61. 

" Mary & John," tirstship,7; set sail, 
10; 11, 12; list of passengers, 14; 
47, 48, 49, 50. 

Mason. Chas., Rev., D.D., founder of 
Episcopal Church Home, 420; 
David, 79; John, 9, 15, 4S; sketch, 
49: Jonathan, 1(X»: Lowell, 161; 
music teacher Hawes S<diool, 222. 

Mason & (iorges, 4. 

Masonic Hall, 181. 

Massachusetts, 1, 3: Company, 4; 
derivation of name, 5; 6, 10, 20, 44, 
4(1; funiislies many troops for 
Englisli and French war, .59; i-eq- 
uisition for troops, 68; 74; effort 
to raise monev after the Revolu- 
tion, 95 : l(K). 115, i:;2, 1.33 ;. . . .Bay, 4, 

8; charter granted, 8; 18; ... 

Central R. R.. 44. 

^Massachusetts Bay Colony, 4; divi- 
sion into (•ounties, 24. 

Massasoit. 44. 

Mather. Rich;ud, 41: sketch, 51: 
Richard, Rev.. 19, 21: arrived in 
]'.ostoii.33: 34: death of, 34; 36, 48; 
Timothv. 39, .51. 

Mather family. 50: 149. 

Mather-Jones estate, 41. 

Mather School, 149, 337, 3.39. 

Matlgnon, Francis A., Rev., 161, 162; 
mausoleum, .'561. 

Mattapan, 7. 11, 12, 13, 32, 1.54. 

^Nlattapan Deposit and Trust Co., his- 
torv. etc., 428-429 ; change in presi- 
dent, 480. 

.Mattajiaii Literary .\ssociation, first 
organization of young men, 1-52, 

181. 

Mattapan Works. 239. 

Maltapannock, 12,13. 

M;ittapan Register, 182. 

Matthew, Theol)ald, apostle ol tem- 
perance. 124. 

Maverick, .lohn. Rev., s, 10, 15, 18, 32, 
47. 

Mayflower, 4. 

Mayo, Lieut., 80; Win. A., Rev., rec- 
tor City Point M. E. Church, 385. 

;\Iaze))pa Engine, 164, 165. 

McAleer. .Tohii, 139, 

.McCabe, Owen, house. 139. 

McCartliv. .lobli, 139. 

.AlcClusk'cy, Jolm J., 230. 

McCullouuli, Win, greenhouse, 174: 
first fl'orist, 230. 

McFeelev, John, house, i:?9. 

McGowa'n, 1)., Dr., druggist and 
apolliecary, 170. 

McGratb, .Maiirice, Sergt., killed on 
Castle Island. 260. 

McLaughlin. Geo. P., died in Spanish 
War, 216. 

McLeod. Thos. D., died in Spanish 
War, 216. 

McNeil, Capt., l.'G. 

McNultv. Jolm J.. Rev.. 374. 

Mead. Ch;is.. apothecary, 170. 

Means, .lohn H. 224: president S. B. 
Cits. Asso., 4(;5 Robert F., 224. 

Mechanics' Greys, 150. 

Mechanics' National Bank, 145, l.)0, 
180, 

]Medfield, 34. 

Meetiiighonse, Dorchester, 40: new 
liouse. .58; 60, 

.Meeting House Hill, 34, 37. 

Memorials — Dorchester Heights 
Monument, only one of its kind 
erected by the Commonwealth, 
321; conci'ption, agitation, pro- 
gress, description, 321-322-323-324; 

Farragut Statue, conception, 

proceedings, ;iiipointinciit of city 
governmeiit committee, date and 
programme of dedication, 317-318- 
319; Memorial of i,s47 to City 
Government, by citizens, 153, 178; 



lM)i:X xxvii 

.. Talilet Id Siianish War NCt- Muipliy's Coiiht, history, otc, 4r,9- Noitli Kree Bridge, (See also Federal 

eiaiis ill lli^li S<'li()i)l, .tj.'> ; . . . . 4t;o. St. Bridge) 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 

Tablet on l)oreliest<'r Ileiirlits, Murpliy, .las. .1., 4.">9: M. A., Miss, 118, 119, l-"2, 1:57, 147, LIS. 

316; Tablet on Lawrence 4.")9: Mr., jjroprietor Broadway Norway Iron woiks, i';}!). 

School, ineept ion, description and Hotel, 126. 127: Steplien D., Scrfjt. Norwich, 92. 

dedicatory exercises, 319-32(i; — died inSi)anisli war, 216; Wni H. Nova Scotia, 1)9. 

to (ieneral Court, against i>ro- 4.'i9. Noyes, Geo. N. & Co , provision 

posed annexation, 101; — to Cen. Mnrray. (leo. 1". 11., Maj.. 211, 21.t; "store, 171. 

Washington, from President of eliosen major. 21."i: (-onnnander 

Congress. 9(;-97; .to selectmen Maj. M. . I. O'Connor Camp 4. L. OAKLEY. 86. 

of Boston, favoiinu annexation, S. \V \'., 409; Tlios.. first Catho- O'Brien, .las. !•:., Sergt., i)olice station 

lO;?. lie nndertal<cr in S. B., ICl; 174; 1-', 440. 

Meliis, .-,9. Thos. S.. k;.' O'Callaglian, 1)., Hey., sketch, 369. 

Merenry. The newspaper;. Is2. Mnrray .v Ti'egnrllia Co., l)nilders of O'Coniioi-, M. .1., Maj.. 211; his death. 

Meriden, Conn.. 128. V;iclits and launclics, 46:5. 213:216. 

Merrill, Geo. \V. & Co., co.il and Mnsgrave, Ma j., iio. 7:i. O'Connor, M. . I., Maj., Cami) 4, 1,. S. 

wood, 171; .Fnstice. i)rolialily tlie Mu.sgraye Light Infantry, 73. W. V., history, etc.. 409. 

first judge, 182. " O'Donnell. K I!.." Dr., 170. 

Merrimac(k), 4. NAISMITII. ClI \S.. I{K\'.. rector. Old Colony H. W., incoriioraled, 14s: 

Metcalf, Theodore. Key., of Gate of Fonrth I'resbyterian Cliurch, .v.rj. bridge provided for, 149. 

Heaven Chinch, frienil of railroad Nantasket. 10, 11," '24; Head, 4, 10 87: 01(lli;mi. .Ii>lni, < jijil., 4:5. 

strikers, 20.1. Point, 10: Itoad, 88, 89. Old Harbor, sontli of S. B., 26.0: '269: 
Methodists, 128. 3.">. Narragansett P.ay,44. location, 274: tirst public bath- 
Methodist Kpiscop;il Chuicli, by. National Magazine, hx'ation, etc., lionse on its shores, 274; distances. 
Middle II ill. 22, 9S. 464. " 274. 

Middlesex Co., 21. Naundveag, 4. Old Poad, 6:!, 77. 120, i:i7. 140, 141. 142, 

Military and Militia, — .\ncient and Neal, Frank K , 224. 14.!. 1+4 l.siT. 

Honor:ible .\rtillery Co.. 49; Dis- "Neck," month of the. location, is: "Old Sconce," location. 276. 

l)lay on tlie openiiig of l^oston 2'2, 38, .'iO, .!il. .52; ehan.ges in the Old S<iutli Church. 114. 

South Bridge, 112; i:W; Mechanics i)roprietors of lands at, 5;!; .06, 6(i, Old Testament, 2S. 

Cireys, 1.00:MiisgrHve's Light In- 69, 7ii: location. 274: 27.5. Oliver, Francis .1., Ksi|., 11.5, lls; 

t'antrv. 73; Pulaski Guards, 150, Nee, Geo. H., Sergt., heroic service Hoyal, carpenter, 146. 

165: VVashington (Juards. 159. in Spanisli War, 215. O'.Maley. Thos., tailor, 172. 

Miller, -Mexander. 15. 21 : .lohii. 15. Nelson. P.. first dry goods stoi'e, 171. Onniil)Uses. 1:51, 1.50. 

21 ; Mr.. 95, 96. Nepouset, in(li;iiis,"3: 18: bridge, 4it. < )ri;;ini/.:itions Bethesda Lodge. 30, 

Millet, Thos.. 21. Newberry. Mr.. 15, 18, 21. "i.O. O. F.,181: .. Boston Yacht 

Milhgaii, .las., 230. New College, Oxford, 49. Club, liistorv, 399: .Charitable 

Milton, 18, i;!(;, 141: Lower .Mills, 114, Newcomli, Alessrs, of (.)tiincy, 117 societies. 410: City Point Cath- 

177. New Fngland, 1: (ieriyation.":!: 4. 5. 7, olic Association, history, 406: — 

:\Iinot. (;eo.,9, 21, .•«. 45: .las, :{7. 8, i:C 32. 45. 47, 4:i. 51, 05. 87. 124, < ohunbia Yacld Club, hi.storv, 

.Minot hotrse, 18. 1.5.5.177. 402: . . . Dahlgren Post 2, G. A. K., 

Mishawani, 5. Newhall. .lolni I).. I)oots and shoes, history, 40S: . Deiuuci'atic Asso- 

Mohawks, 44 171: M P.. lioots and slioes. 171. elation. 181: .. Kratern:il .soci- 

Modsley. Uniglit. 45. New llani)isbire, 4: rei|uisllion for cties, 410: (Jcrnian- \merican 

Plonks," ,Jolm P.. lumbei- dealer, 172; troops. OS: 74. Singing Soc., history. 4"S: — Get- 

his liouse. 2i'9: Kieliard .L. 172: New London. 92. tysbnrg Connnand. 19, I'. \. I'., 

l)resident of the J\L 1). & T. Co., Newman, Heinx. 107. liistory. 4<i9: . Hawcs .Invenile 

429. New s|)apers. two or thiee attempts .V s so"c i a t i on, 222; ...Hawes 
Monks P.iiildiiig, li;7. to pulilisli. 181: (Ja/.ette. 181: School Boys' Association, organ- 
Montgomery. II . 1.58; Hugh, law yt^r. Mercury, 1,S2: Uegister. Is2. zied. 223; ". Hawes School Girls' 

172. " New ton. 6. 2". " Association, organized, 223: 

Jloody, Miss Margaret A., teacher, Newton. .lohn, 15. Home Guitrds. (militaiy, 192: ... 

Lawrence School, 340; & Norris, NewTestament, 28. L;iwrcnce\ .Mather School Asso- 

coal and wood, 171: lumber deal- New York, 1, 2, 66, 68, 85. ,S8. ,S9, 92, 96. elation, history and succession 

ers,172. New York. i*t N<'w Kngland. K. P., of i)resi(lents. 412; ...Lincoln 

Mooney, Cha.s P.. commodore ;\L I'". leases bind from the' state, 198. (iuards. 192: Masonic soci- 

Y. C., 402. New York. New Haven iS: Hartford eties, 410; Matta|>an Literary 

Moonke. Klias. 45. P P., ]iureliases "Cork Point " Association, the lirst for young 

Moore, .lohn, 15. 21 ; .lolm. file in liis and " Sw:iiilaiid." 201. men. 152; .Mechanics (ire\s 

establishment. 131. Niekersou. I).. 1.58; Fred. C.ipt., (military}, 1.50. . Miscelhineous 

Morey, .las.. 45. house, 107. societies, 410 . . .Mos(iuito Fleet 

Moriartv. Patrick l", died in Spanish Niekerson house, KlS. Yacht ( lub, history, 401; — 

War, 216. Niles, .lohn, 15, 21. O'Connor. Maj . Camp, 4, L. S. W. 

Morrill, .John, 45. Ninth Mass., Vol Inf.. none more \'.. history. 409; I'nlaski 

Morrison, iSIr.. barber. 172. gallant in Si)aiiish War. 21": ofli- Guards, miililary i leading o.gan- 

Mosely, .John, :j9: Thos., 101. cers at outbreak of war. 211; as- izalion; 105. 1S7: mimes of mem- 

Mosqiiito Fleet Yacht Clul). 22; his- simied to Provisional P.rigadc, bers to Civil War, 190-191 : . . . Pm- 

torv, etc., 401-402. Second .\rmy Corps. 211: i)roceeds itan Canoe Club, history, AM: 

Mount Hope, 45. to ('ub;i, 212;" story of the Nintliat Shade Tree Soc.. organized, ls3: 

Mt. Hope. i;. K. 149. Cuba. '212-213; 'sutlcrings ;iiid . Shawniiit Rowing Club, his- 

Mt. Washington, 149, -285. deaths in Cuba. 21.V214: names of torv. 407 South P.oslon Associ- 

Mt. Wasjiiiiiiton Co-operatiye Bank, those who died in the service. 21f,. ation, 20i;: . Seutli Boston Citi- 

history and ofticers, 430. Nook Hill, 1, 2'2. 71 : intention to lor- zens' Association, history and 

Mt. Washington Female Institute, tifv, 76: 8:^, 84, 86; breastwork dis- suc<'ession of i)residents, 4ii4: ... 

founded. 149; 176; aided largely coVered, 8(1: 87: commanding the Soiilh Boston Lyceum. 181 ... 

by the Hawes fund. 218. harbor, 89; 108, 1'25. 127, \34. 137. South P.oslon .><amaritan Soe., 150: 

]\It. Washington Glass Works, sketch, 174; tablet i)laced on Lawrence Soulli Boston Total Abstinence 

2.38. School, 319. Soc. 181; South Boston Y'acht 

Mt. Washington Hall. 181. Nook Lane, 22, 63, 97. Club, history, 399: St. .Augns- 

Mt. Washington Hotel, built and Norcross. Otis, Mayor, .school named tine's Lyceum, history. 407; ..St. 

opened, 1.50; 174, 176. after him. ;54.5. I'anl's Lodg<', F. & A. M.. isl; ... 

M St. playground, location, .300. Norcross School, dedicated, 186: his- Tremont Cycle Club, history, 407; 

Mullen, .lohn A., Asst. Chief, B. F. tory, etc.. Master FUi.s and teach- Washington Guards (mili- 

D.. 4.50; Patrick . J. , 223. ers, :m.5. tarv) 1.59: ...Washington Post, 

Municipal Coiut. established. 196; by Norcntt, Edward .J., at Battb- of .32, "G. A. IL. history. 4(Jit. 

act of Legisbiture, 424: history Manila, 216. Orthodox Church, 166. 

and succession of judges, 424-425^ Norfolk County. 24 Osborn house, 167. 

Mnmiings. Edmund, l.'i. 21. Norris. Aldcrnian .Micliae] \Y.. I:i9. Osborn, .lohn, 167: .John T.. •22:'.. 

Munroe; Thus., 107. North End, 114, 110. 177. Osgood, Mr., 141. 



INDEX 



Otis, Harrisim dray, (», Kmi: H;iirisuii 

Gray, Alayor, 'l(>2: J;is.. iii:iki's 

famous arguniciit ji.uninst wiiis 

of assistaiii-c. lii'. 
O'Toole, John .1., dinl in S|iaiiisli 

War, 216. 
Our Lady Czenst()cliii\\;i. Cliiircli of, 

dedicated, 194; liisiorv. I'lc, :;7(; 

—377. 
Our Lady of the Kosarv, chnrcli ot, 

dedicated. I',i4: history of. ftc. 

374. 
Overseers, (school coiiunitteci lid. 
Oxford, 49. 

I'.VCK.VKD. LIBKKTY D.. Dr.. iao. 

I'afie, Mr., his lioiise, i:;8: ^^'nl. I'., 
teaclier, Hawcs Sdiool. 220. 

I'a.u'e's Court, 13S. 

I'aiiics, linancial disturbance of ls72 
fflt in S. R., 209. 

t'aris. 91. 

I'aik, Francis E., 72. 224. 

]'arl<er, .las., l.n, 21 ; W. T.. Dr., 170. 

I'arl^nian, Elias. 15. 

I'ailviiian Scliool. I.IO; originallv the 
.■\Iatlier Scliool, 3.".9: later known 
as the Lawrence School. 339; his- 
tor.v, etc., 339. 

I'arknmn, (Old) School, liistorv and 
location, 340. 

Parks, .. 131: inanx ini|irovcnients, 
l.')8; beneticial as n-creation 
places, -.'91; . t'onniionwealth, 
location, 299; area, 299; ...Inde- 
l)endenceS(i .23; (>ri,uiii;ition,297; 
area, 297; . . Lincoln, origination 
and location, 299; Alarine, 23, 
161; origination, 204; 266; largest 
and only one in tlie distiict in 
charge of i)ai-l< coniinissionrrs, 

291; history, 29 -2'.t2-293-294-29.'-29i;; 

total are;i, 29i;; ....M St. I'];iv- 

gronnd, origination. 3(mi. 
I';itten. Mr. 39. 
I'atterson. (ieo. .1., I{ev., rectol- St. 

Mncenfs Clnu-ch, .■'.74. 
I'ayson Clnn-ch. 16:'.. 
Payson, S;ininel. 107. 
Peard, John J., died in Siianisli War. 

216. 
Peavey, Mary 1).. .Mrs., sketch 229. 
]'ennini;ton, E. 11., harhei', 172. 
Penobscot Piver, 2. 
I'ercy, Karl, so. si. 
Pi'i'kins Kngiiie, 16, 16.".. 
Pi-rkins, Edwin A., district cliief, H, 

F. I)., 4r,0; Edward A., veteran 

fireman, KU: Ezra, 230; Samuel 

S.,1.58; Thos H . 416. 418 
Perkins Institution for tlie Blind. 22, 

.".6.98, 149; urts jiossession of the 

Mt Washington Hotel, 150; 176; 

inception, history and location, 

416-417-418-419-420.' 
Perry, Wm. E., master of Lincoln 

Scliool, 479. 
Pettengill, Ubert K ,224. 
Plielps, Geo., 15; John, 15; Wni. 9, 18, 

20. 
Philip of Momitho])e,44. 
I'liilips,, fas. ,1.32; John, 18, 21; Mayor, 

cliurch named iifter liim, 3.=)6. 
I'billips ('lia)icl. liistorv. etc., 3r,7. 
Phillips ('ongrt-gatiom'tl Clnu'ch, 128, 

174, 180; new eliurch built, 194; 

hi.story, etc., and succession of 

rectors, SSS-S-Vv-SflT ; Rev. Mr. 

Epler severs connection, 480. 
Phinney, house, 142. Kit ; Humphrey, 

15; Mr., house. 142, 144. 
Phoenix Glass Works, 123, 131, 174, 

175; .sketch, 2.37. 
Pierce Bros., yacht builders, 175; 

Jeffrey, 165; John, In, 2I ; Jona- 
than, furniture store, 171 ; Itoliert, 

20;Steiihen,car|ienter, 146; Thos., 

Rev., 128; lir^t teaclier Hawes 

School, 390. 



I'ierpont. .lolin. 3.7 : .lohn. Pev.. ad- 
dressed lirst scholars of ILiwcs 
Scliool. 21 •. 

Piers and Docks, a.ureenieiit to till ill 
for Pier 1, P.s ; I'oiiiplctcd, 20O; ... 
Coninionwealth Docks. completed. 
200. 

I'ike, Ben,]., ciirpi'iiter. i4i;; .lacoli. 
carpenter. 14(;; Levi. c;irpenter, 
146. 

I'ilgrims, 4. 

i'incheon. INIr., 14 

Piracy, 134. 

Piscahupia, 4. 

Pitcher, Andrew, 14, 20. 

Pitmmister, Eng., 52. 

Pleasant St., Dorchester, 22. 

Pleasure Bay, on Hie east of S. B., 
265. 

Plough Factory, 239. 

Plumer, Jos. A , 223. 

Pliimmer, John, 44. 

I'lvmouth, 4. 44; Colony, 37; Fug., 9. 

Point Shirley, 170. 

Pole, Wm., 37. 

Police, history of the Boston Police, 
431; Hie early night watch, 431; 
early force, 431; organization of 
the Harbor police, 432; new sys- 
tem in is.i5, with eight stations 
established, 433; introduction of 
amliulances and signal service, 
434-435; jiark police, 435; growth 
of the depart nieiit. 435 ; . . Station 
6, 146; history and succession of 
officers, 4.35; station 12, 21; 63; his- 
tory and succession of officers, 
438; first arrest by Sergt. Tighe, 
439. 

Ponieroy, Eltwood,14. 

I'oniiiey, Army of, 90. 

I'oiids, 176, 180; location of those ;it 
Neck, 123. 

Pond St., Dorchester, was lirst street 
to S B , 22. 

Poole. (Taleil, 224. 

Poope, Ebenezer, 45; John, Cor])., 45. 

I'oorliouse, 131. 

rojie, Alexander, 165; Beiij., 152; 
John, Goodman, 14, 20, 34; Maca- 
,jali, 168. 

Pojie's house, 141. 

Pojie, Ben,i., School, history, location 
and te;icliers, .3.33. 

l*iil)ulation, at start of S. B , 122; in- 
crease ill 25 years from annexa- 
tion, 122; in 1823, 130; rajiid in- 
crease during tirst century ;ifter 
;iiinexation, 147; in ls.5ii, 169; 
almost doubled from 1870 to 1900, 
192; at various jieriods after ;in- 
nexation, 240. 

Porter, Col., 134; Mr., 166. 

Post Oltice, tirst letter ciirrier, 184; 
iiKiil brought over in busses, 184; 
history and succession of the sup- 
erinteiideiits, 426-427-428; sub- 
stations, 428. 

Powow point, named for Indians, 23; 
41. 

Pratt house, 140. 

Pray, Jas. E., furniture house, 462. 

Presbyterians, 3.55. 

Presidents, 82, 87, 88, 89; Madison, 
1.32. 

Preston, D;iiiiel, Jr., 37; Win., 14, 20. 

Price, D;i\id, 14, 20. 

Prob:ite Court, 130. 

ProchuiKitiou, for aid by fasting and 
prayer, successful, 59. 

Proctor, (4eo., 14, 20; Geo. B., leading 
Democrat, 182. 

Prospect Hill, i-A\ 74, 77. 

Protestants, i:',. 

Providence, 92. 

Provinces, 165. 

Province Tax, Dorchester lirst to pay 
it to anotlier, 63. 

Proving Ground, 160, 207; clianged to 



Castle Island, 207; one in W;isli- 
ingtoii ^■illage, 208. 

Public Scpiares, 120. 

Puhiski (iiiards, leading organiza- 
tion, 150; 165; :il outblejik of Civil 
War, 187; joins the First Pegt., 
187: iiiiiiiediate resiionse to call 
for volunteers, iss; b;ittles partic- 
ipated ill, 18S-189: names of S. B. 
citizens of the company, who 
joined Co. E, 1st Regt., 189-190-191. 

Punkaiiog, 14, 38. 

Purchase, Widow, 14, 20. 

Puritan Canoe Cliili, history, etc.. 404. 

Putnam, Ma] -(ieii., 84, 87; '"Old," 79 
80. 

Puritans, 3, 4, 5, 6. 7, 8. 

QUARRIES, 40. 

Quebec, British troojis ordered from, 
66. 

(Jiiigley, ,101111 P., 462. 

(}uigley & Pray, furniture house, 462. 

Quinlan, Thos. F., Cajit., 211, 215. 

(,)uiiicy, Josiali, Mayor, originator of 
the scheme for the combination 
of railroads as the Boston Term- 
inal Co., 201. 

RADFORD, MR., apothecary, 171. 

Railroad House, 169. 

Railroads Boston & Albany, pur- 
chased land from Boston Wharf 
Co., 198; deal made for the ex- 
change of tlats, 200;. ...Boston, 
Hartford \ Erie, purchased land 
from the Boston Wharf Co., 198; 
New York and New England, 
leases land from the state, 198; 
...New York, New Haven & 
ILirtford, purchases Cork Point, 
201; (»ld Colony, incorjiorated, 148. 

Raiiisford "s L;iiie, 104, 108, 109. 

i;;iii(i. :\Ir., 95, 96. 

Pimdall, Phili]), 14. 

Ritnkin, F:dw:ird B., 23(1. 

R,-iwliiis. Thos., 14. 

Riiymond. F:(lw;ird, 14; Wm. S. W., 
Rev., rector Grace Episcoii;il 
Church, 382. 

Reed, 20. 

Readman, Chas., 45. 

Reed, Caleb, 124; John. Esii., 95; Joliii 
H., "Rolling Mill," 174: Jos , 
letter from (ien. Washington, 88. 

Rennick, Timotliy J., 224. 

Reminiseeiices, o'l J;is. Burns, 173; of 
Will. Cains, 136, 105, 206; of Jas. 
JLiyes, 207; of Gazette, (So. 
Boston), 182; of Wm. S. Locke, 
208; of Kdward A Perkins, 164: of 
Beuj. Whittemore, 175; of .las. 
Woods, 143. 

Reserved Channel, 265. 

Reservoirs, 157, 1.59. 

Residences, general description of 
those in the district. 311: promi- 
nent rt\si(leiiti;il sections, 312. 

Revolution, opening act, i;o, 61; Brit- 
ish vessels arrive. 61: regiments 
land, 01; 65; most important event 
occurred within the coiitiiies of 
So. Boston, (;5; Boston niiissacre, 
65; etf(u-t to put hiws into execu- 
tion, the tuniiiig jioint, 66; Boston 
Neck fortilied. 06; fovtilications 
in Hoxlinry jind elsewhere, OS; 
Washingtoii takes command, 68; 
Siege of P.ostoii commenced, 68; 
(ien. (!age w itlidrawn. I'.S; I'nioii 
flag hoisted, (vs; (piestioii of attack 
considered by Washington and 
his othcers, 68; Col. Knox returns 
with ;ininiiiiiition, 69; attack on 
Dorchester Neck, 69; Cfniditioa of 
W;isliington's army, 74; W;isliing- 
toii fe;irs the British advance, 75; 
Washington determined to march 
on Dorchester Heights, 76; (4eii. 



iM)i:\ 



Thomas nian'hes to Dorclicstcr 
Heights, 77; British geiKMal siir- 
prisi'd to see two forts on tlif 
Heiglits, 78; determined to at- 
tempt dislodgemeut of Ameri- 
cans, 79; prepares to attack forti- 
fications, 80; attacl\ on tlie 
Heij;lits frnstrated, SI; what 
Wasliington's plans were, iSl: 
<;en. Howe determines to leave 
15oston, SI; Wasliington's h'tti'rs, 
84; a.dditii>nal fortllieations, 8('); 
Washington iletermines tofoi'lify 
NooU Hill, S(!; hreastworUs on 
Nook Hill, 8G; fortilie:itions on 
N'ook Hill on the morning of 
March 17, 1775, discovered, 8G: 
British evacn;ite Boston, S7; vote 
of tliaid<s ;ind medal to (leii. 
Washington, <1-'; 9.=>. 1(H). 

Revohitionarv iieriod, '.'S. 

Rhode Island", 18,43. 

Rice, .Mi.,n;r). 

liiehards, Thos., 14, 20. 

Kichardsoii, J. 1).. provision store, 
171; baker, 17'_'. 

Richardson's hath house, 182. 

i;iiil)V, Jos., 20. 

Riiey, .1. Frank, I)r.,211, 2ir.. 

Kiots, occur in oiiiiosition to iMi<nii- 
tous laxes, O.i. 

Ii'oads, lint one between Dorchester 
and the Neck, 114. 

Kobbins, Kdward, 107; S., Rev., 1G4. 

Kobinson. Jas., 4."i ; Cajit., 95; .las., 
Maj., 101: Lemuel, Cai)l.,o;i; Ruth, 
OS; Wm., carpenter, 14»;. 

Rocket, i;ich;ird, 14. 

Rock Hill, 12, ;«, 48, 49, 108. 

Rockwell. Wm , 9, 14, IS. 

Rockwood, Wm.,223. 

Rogers, .I;is. B., 224. 

Rolling :\Iill, 174; sketch, 2.S(;. 

Roman Catliolics, 3. 

Ronmey. Hritisii vessel, 01. 

Rope niaking, 145. 

Ross, Mr., soap manufacturer. 120: 
Wm., c;upeider, 146. 

i;<isseter, Brav, 14: Edward, 9. 11. is. 
50; Hugh, 14. 

Rowell, Samuel C, 224. 

Ro.\hury, 0, 20, 24, 32, 68, 70, 71, 74, 76, 
80, 81, 84, 86; canal to, 95; 149. 

Roxbury Engine 7, 164. 

Roddick, Wm. H., Dr., 170; of com- 
mittet' Dorchester Heights monu- 
ment, 476. 

Rush, Jas. H., 224. 

S.^CCASUS, 44. 

St. Agnes Parochial School, history, 
etc., 353. 

St. Augustine's Cemetery, 128, 141, 
146, 161, 174; origination, history 
and names of many interred, 394- 
39r)-396-397-398. 

St. \ngustine's Chapel, 128, 141, 146, 
161, 180; started by Bishop 
Cheverus,description and history, 
361-361-362.363-364: names of de- 
ceased priests whose remains re- 
pose in the chapel, 363. 

St. Augustine's Church, 141, 174; 
Mass celebrated for the first 
time, 194; history and description, 
366-307-368-309. 

St. Augustine's Lyceirm, history, etc., 
407. 

St. Augustine's Parochial School, 
history, etc., 352. 

St. Eulalia's Chapel, built, 196; his- 
tory, etc., 372. 

St. John's, 68. 

St. John's M. E Church, history and 
succession of rectors, 386-3S7-.388. 

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 127, 
128, 138, 146, 180; history, etc., ami 
succession of rectors, 379-380; — 
Chapel, name changed, 194. 



St. Micluud's Hall, nseil by strikers 
in 1SS7, 2'i5. 

St. Monica's Chapel, built. 196; 3t;9. 

St. Raul's Lodge. K. I'C A. M., Iso. 

SS. I'cter mid Paul's Chuicli. lire ill 
1S4S, 164; 172, 174, 181; large illllux 
from port Hill, 1S3; history and 
succession of rectors, 364-36.)-;566. 

SS. Peter and Piiul's Parochijil 
School, history, etc., 351. 

St. X'iiiccnt's Church, large increjise 
from Port Hill, is:!; dediciited, 194; 
origiiuilly the Purchase St. 
Chiirch, 372; history and succes- 
sion of rectors, 372-;i73-;i74. 

.Salem, 4, 5, 8. 12, 20, 32, 66; Harbor. 5. 

Saltonstall, iiichard. Sir., 8. 

S;indford, Thos , 14, 20. 

Saiulras, Hopestill, 45; S;miuel, 45. 

Savin Hill, 12. 

School Committee. 129, 140. 

Schools, .. Jtnlcs lor the lirst school, 
36; resi<lents s(Md< to secure ac- 
comniodalions, 1J9: description of 
lirst scliool. l_9; appropri;ition for 
:i new building, the second in S. 
B., l;50; several divisions make uj) 
the school district, 326; the Sixth 
Division, 326: mimes of the 
schools in the division, 32i:; the 
evening (dasses, 327; paro(diial 
S(diools, ;!27; School of Art. .'527; 
(lernian Scdiool, 327; ..Alger, 
Cvrns. Iiistorv, etc., 346; An- 
drew. John a"., 138; built. 194; es- 
tablished, 335; description. 336; 
]\Iaster Dill and teachers. :i37; 
correction. 479; LMgelow, 126; 
dedic;itcd, 186; organized lirst as 
school for girls, 330; dedicated, 
330; cluinges. 331; new bnihiing, 
331; succession of masters, .'iSl; 
description of new building, 331: 
list of teachers, 332: M;ister 
Rassett, :'.35: new l)uildiiig occu- 
pied for lirst time, 479; .... Bird, 
.55. 141; 143; .. liurnhain, Clioate, 
Iiistorv, etc., 343; . Capeii, hi.s- 
torv, etc., 349; ■■ Clinch, 13i;; his- 
tory, etc., 348; . Dean, Benj., 
history, etc.. 349; Dr;ike. history, 
etc., 345; ...Caston, built, 194; es- 
tablished, 333; location ;uid de- 
scrijilion, 333; Master Barnes and 
teachers, 3:34; ...Cerinan Pri- 
mary, history and lociition, :!">3: .. 
Hart, Thos. X., built, 194 : history, 
etc., 349; Sub-master Philbrick 
died, 480; ...Hawes, established, 
130; 131, 140, 145, 146, 149, 162, 175. 
181, 182;.... Hawes Primary, old- 
est school in S. B., descriiition. 
etc., 332; High, work coiii- 
meiiced, 194; tiiljlet to Spanish 
War soldiers, .325; description of 
building, dedicatory exercises. 
Master Small and teachers, 327; 
sketch of Master Small, 329; ... 
Howe, Samuel C, history, etc., 
340: ...Lawrence, 22, 86, 137; ded- 
icated, 186; tablet placed there, 
319; history, descripti(m. Master 
Leonard and succession of .Mas- 
ters, 3:57; .. Lincoln, 137,159,174: 
dedicated, 187; history, etc.. Mas- 
ter White and teachers, ,■^42; 
change in masters, 479; — Nor- 
cross, detlicated, 186; history, etc.. 
Master Ellis and teachers, 345; 
.. Parkman, 150; history, etc.. 
3.39; ...Parkman, (Old), history, 
etc., 340; ...PoiJe, Benj., history, 
etc., 333; .. St. Agnes I'arochial, 
history, etc., 3.5:3; .... st. Augus- 
tine's Parochial, hi.story, etc., 
353; . . SS. Peter and Paul's Par- 
ochial, history, etc., 3.51; .. Shurt- 
leff, 22, 127; dedicated, 186; his- 
tory, etc., ^7; .. Simonds, 222; 
history and description. 332; 



South l5oston School of Art, orig- 

liiidion, 21S; history, etc., 35:3; 

Tickiior, history, etc., 336; 

Tuckerman, history, etc., 3+:!. 

Schools, (Private), Baxter, Alarv 
Miss, IS6; Clinch, J. H.. Rev., 1h;' 
Egan, Lawrence, 186; Wells. K 
M.. lU'V. Dr., 174, 1,S6. 

Second dwelling at Dorchester Nei'U 
40. 

Sided men, 24. 

Senate, 113. 114. 115; inemliers fiom 
South Boston, after 1S7.5, 211. 

Seneg;il, ISrilisli vessel, 61. 

Sension. Matthew, 14, 20. 

Separatists, 3. 

Sewers, — money appropriated for 
same in certain streets. i.W; many 
Improvements, l.-,S; 177: built in 
Dorchester and Second sts., 177; 
built in Broad w;iy and Point li 
Sts.. 17S; part of "Third St., 17S; 
First, Second, I and M Sts., 17S; 
Ih-oadway and Fourth Sts from 
Dorchester Ave. to (J St., 17S. 

Shade Tree Societv, organized, 18:>. 

Slialloi>. John, (•apt..43. 

Sharon, is. 

Sluiwmiit. 6. 

Shawniiit Kowing Club, history and 
president, 407. 

Sliavs, Cai)t.,9."). 

Shays UelKdlion. 9.5. 

Sherman. Kbeiie/.er, c;ir|ienter. 146; 
Edwin .v.. Mayor, 224. 

Sliitdds. Albert "B., Rev., rector 
Cliiindi of the Redeemer, Ejiis- 
copal '. ;3S3. 

Sliiiibiiildiiig, one of the earliest in- 
diistiies. 125: Brooks' 236; Briggs' 
2:i0; Loriim's, 2:i6: Stetson's, Wm., 
144: Wheelwright's. 144, 2.i6. 

Sbuldmaii. Admiral, in comiimnd of 
tlie British Heel, 75; decided to 
attempt dislodgement of .\nieri- 
c;iiis. 79. 

Sliiirtletl . X;ithaiiiel B., school named 
after him, 347. 

SliurtlelV Sidiool, 22. 127; dedic;ited, 
180; established, history, etc . 347; 
sidiool presented witii a chxdv, 
348. 

Signal Tree Hill, 23. 

Simonds, Alvan, Deacon, 145, 165. ISl. 

Simonds Sidiool, 22; description, :W2. 

Simpson, D;ini(d, drummer boy, 2.'S; 
Mr., house, 138. 

Singing School, 30. 

Ski'iic, Ceo., Rev., rector, St. John's 
M. E. Church, 387. 

Skilton, 8. 

Slane's Wharf, 178. 

Sleeper, Ofti(rer, first policeimm, l.s2. 

Small, Augustus D., master High 
School, sketch, 329. 

Sined, Widow, 20. 

smith, Amasa, Col., 165, 166; Capt., 
house, 140; Frederick J., Lieut., 
station 6, 438; Henry, 14; J:imes, 
carpenter, 170; John. 14. 2ii; John, 
Capt.. 2: John, (.Miartermaster, 9; 
Joseiih, 140, 1.5s, Isl, Widow, :!9. 

Somerset. County of. 9. .52. 

Somerville, 66. 

Sommers,Mrs.. 141. 

Sons of Liberty, (I'S. 

Southard, A., I)r., 170. 

South B:ii)tist Chnri'h and Society, 
organized, 128; new building dedi- 
cated, 128; 103, 164, 181; abandons 
church and unites with the 
F'ourlh St. Society, 196; history 
and succession of rectors, 358. 

South Bay, 77, 9.5, 104; decrease by 
one-h;ilf bv filling in, 201; to the 
south of S. B., 265; location, 275; 
distances, 275. 

South Boston, 1, 2, 7, 10, 11, 20, 47, .50, 
63, 65, 89, 91, 93. 95, 98; name 
changed from Dorchester Neck, 



INDEX 



lOG: wiiat the district coininised 
at tinif ot anncx;iti<iii. loc; list of 
proprietors at ;miiexatioii, lod; 
108, 109; advocates for Hostoii 
Free Bridge deteriiiiiu'<l, 112; 113, 
114; North Bridge tlie l)eginiiiiig 
of new era, 11(5; prospects'bright", 
120; area when annexed, 120; 
growtll, 122; 123, 124; I'ecovers 
from tenipornrv st't-bacl\, 125; 
126, 127, 12i>: residents sccU to sc- 
cnre scliool accoiiuiiodations, 120; 
130, 131; i)etitions tor an engine, 
131; 133, 134; longevity of citizens. 
136; Wasliingtoii \illage not in- 
chided, 138; intended for ideal 
residential section, 13.S; suffers 
after war of 1812, 138; 140, 141. 143, 
145; but two i)liysicians )irior to 
1830, 140; population increases, 
147; 148, 149; intended to lie aristo- 
cratic section, 150; 152; not treated 
fairly by city governnieid, 152; in- 
dignation inectiiig of citizens 
lield, 15:;; residents active, lon; 
163, 164, 165. 176. 177; more activ- 
ity, 208; desc)-ii)tion of, 265; boun- 
daries. 2G5. 

South Boston. Annexation of, first 
step tiUxcn, 100; gi-eat excitement 
in Dorchester and r.oston. loo; 
meeting lield. loii; remonstrance 
to General Court. 101; niemoiial 
to selectmen of Boston in favor 
of, 10.!; report of the committee of 
Dorch. citizens. 104; offer of 
money to cease opi)osilion. I(i4; 
offer "increased, 104; I>egislatine 
passes annexation bill, 104; 132. 

South Boston Association, did work 
well. 2(M'.. 

South Boston Citizens' Association, 
liistoi'v and succession of presi- 
dents." 404-4 5-4(16. 

South Boston (ias Co.. incor)ioi-ated. 
ISO. 

South Boston Heights, i. 

South Boston Hotel, 126; socijils and 
parties there, 1G9. 

Soutli Boston Iron Co., 124; sketidi, 
231. 

Soutli Koston Lyceum. 180. 

South ]5oston Memorial, of 1847, 153. 

Soutli ISostoii M. K. Church, ISO. 

South Boston I'oint, 130, 177. 

South Bosliui Begister, 182. 

Soutli Boston Samaritan Society, first 
society on a large scale, 150; first 
president, 150. 

South Boston Savings Bank, location, 
152; history ;ind officers, 429-430. 

South Boston" School of Art. st:irted, 
218; location ;ind how m;unt;iine(l, 
353-354. 

Soutli Boston Tot;il Abstinence Soc, 
181. 

South Boston Yacht Club, history and 
commodores, 399. 

South Bridge, 108, 109, 110, 113, 114, 
119, 131, 137, 146. 147; channtd near 
bridge partially Idled in, 14s. 

Sonthcote, Itichard, Capt,, 9. 10, 14, 
18. 

South Cove, 154, 

South End, people angry, 114; 116, 
149. 

Souther, Henry, 167; Job, 144; John, 
165; boiler shop, 175; given a ban- 
quet, 182; correction, 479; Mr., 137; 
house, 142. 

Southern Cross, ship, 145. 

South Mutual Fire Insurance Co., 
181. 

Spanish-American War, six hundred 
S. B. young men participate, 21o- 
declared, 210; blowing up of 
battleship "Maine," 210; Mass. 
troops quick to respond, 210; 
NinttiRegt. goes to So. Framing- 
ham, 211; Mass. boys to Cuba, 212; 



suffering and disease in Cuba. 
213; helues from S. B., 215; names 
of those who died in the service. 
216; Castle Island rechiimed dur- 
ing hostilities. 259. 

Spear, Aaron. 96.107; Lemuel. Kit. 

Speedwell. 4. 

Spelman Hall. 182. 

Spinney, Edwin B.. 223; Samuel. 230; 
Thos., early letter cjinier. 1S4; 
4S6. 

Spinney house. 167. 

Spoone"r. John J . Es(|.. 95. 

Sprague.M.. carpenter. 171 ; ^Llltllew, 
carpenter. 146; Kaliih. 5; Kicliard, 
5; Wm„ 5. 

Springfield, 95. 

Springs, one at I'owow Toint, fot)t of 
K St.. 22; 41. 

SiHiir. John. 44. 

S(]uautuni. 4; l-'arms. i:;. 

Stiueb. Capt.. 10. 

Stamp .\ct. reiieal of it made known. 
61; was lirst steii to incite ;ind 
;inger the colonists, 65. 

Standisli. Mvles. ('aid., 3. 4. 

Stanton, l{oi)ert, 44. 

Stanton. Eng., 7. 

Stark. Jas. H.,224. 

State House, lieard tight against ;ui- 
nexation proposition, I114. 

State House. Oldi. 1,50, 

St;itislics, po|Pulation at various pe- 
riods, afteranuexatioii, 240; valua- 
tion, real estate and personal lax, 
:iU(l polls at various periods, 241; 
list of re)iresentatives and sena- 
tors from S. B., after 1S75, 241; li.st 
of aldermen from S. B., 243: rep- 
resentatives in Congress, 24::; rep- 
resentatives in g()\crnor's coun- 
cil. 24.".; number of business places 
in S. B.. ill 1901,453; classified oc- 
cupations, 1,S95, 453-454^55. 

Stearns. Josiali, 2.30; first master 
Lawrence School. ;i41; first ma.ster 
Norcross School, 345. 

Stebbins, Dr., 165; Oliver B., 224. 

Stetson, Alpheus, 131, 136, 169; coal 
and wood, 171; lumber dealer, 172; 
Alpheus M., 136, 169, 224; John A., 
224; Wni.,144. 

Stevens, Abel, Dr., 163; Ebenezer, 
Dr., 146, 170; John A., Dr., 163; 
Ingalls & Co., brass foundry, 239. 

Stevenson, David, 45. 

Stockade Fence, removed. 131; 163, 
180. 

Storey, John, glass cutting business. 
168. 

Stoiighton, 18: Fund. 37. 

Stoiighton, Ancient. 14; Israel. 9, 14, 
19, 20, 44, 48, 49: i\lr.. 20; Mrs., 39; 
Thos., 18; Win., Liellt.-Cov., 37; 
sketch, 49. 

Stover, Theoiihilus, 167. 

Stow, town of, 63. 

Stowe, Edwin A., in naval service 
Spanish War, 216. 

Stowell, Setli, toll gatherer, 146. 

Strange, Geo., 14. 

Strandway, The, location and prog- 
ress of work, 301. 

Strawberry Hill, 23, 55. 

Street Railways, introduction of, 177; 
big strike, 1887, 204; Broadway 
Co., 177; Dorchester Ave. Co., 177; 
Strike of 1896,206. 

Streets— Early provision for laying 
out of sanie, 120; Mather Witliing- 
ton chosen to draw i)lans, 120; 
several years before thorough- 
fares laid out, 120; encroachment 
upon, 122; original iihin lost, 122; 
builders of houses encroach, 147; 
many improvements, 158. 177: gen- 
eral excellence of, 287; general 

direction of, 288; A, planned 

122; ten houses on the street, 
143; ...Anclior. laid out, 200; 



Athens, laid out. 122; accepted by 
city, 178; B. planned, 122; five 
hou.ses on it, 143;. .. Baxter, laid 
out, 122;. . Bolton, laid out, 122; 
accepted by city, 178;. .. .Boston, 
thoroughfare changed by aboli- 

ti< f grade, 198; .. Bowen, laid 

out, 122; — Broadway, creeks on 
it, 23; laid out. 121; near A St., 
dug down and levelled, 126; not in 
good condition. 131; a country 
road, 139; 14 houses on it, 143; 
partly paved, 158; 25 houses on 
each side, in 1840, 168; sewers 
built, 178; graded, 178; property 
owners ordered to iiave side- 
walks. 178; abutters on, near K 
St., ordered to pave sidewa ks, 
178; extended through city lands, 
180: grade at lower 'end c'lianged 
for Kidjidway Bridge, 186; an im- 
proved tliorouglif;ire. 288; the 
bicycle iiatli, 290; i>riiicipal tlun"- 
oughfare, 4.52; .. Bullock, laid 
out, 2(K): C. idauned. 122; three 
houses on it. 143; Claffiii, laid 
out, 200; . Colony. 180; . Colum- 
bia l!o;id. approiich to S. B., 278; 
... Congress, iirovided for by deal 
of 1873, 198; approach to S. B., 277; 
Covington, 290; ...Cypher, laid 
out. 200;.... D, planned, 122; two 
houses on it, 143; . Danby, laid 
out, 2(X); .. Division. 180; Dor- 
chester Ave., p-AYt of original 
marsh. 136; grade iiejir Broadway 
changed for ]?roadway Bridge, 
186; abolition of graile crossing, 
198; an iiiiiiro\cd thoroughfare, 
288; .. Dorchester Ave. Exten- 
sion, 177: iipproa.dito S. B., 277; 

Dorchester, laid out from the 

Old Road, 120; only extended to 
Broadway, 137; ten" houses on it, 
143; sewers built, 177; improve- 
ments, 288; — Dresser, laid out, 
122;... E, planned, 122; three 
houses on it, 143; . Eighth, plan- 
ned, 121; ...Emerson, (The Old 
Road) 15 houses on it, 143;... F, 
Iilanned, 122; one house on it, 143; 
...Fargo, laid out, 2(H); . . Fifth, 
planned, 12I; ...First, planned 
and laid out, 121; as it was in 1820, 
136; extended in 1843, 146; sewers 
built, 17S; coin|ileted, A to E, 178; 
seawall iind grailing along it, 182; 

— Foundry. 124; why named, 136; 
. . . Fourth, iihinned, 121; princii)al 
thoroughfare fur many years, 137; 
partly paved, 158; widened from 
Dorchester to G, 158; sparsely 
settled, 176; sewers built, widen- 
ing from Dorchester to G, 178; 
grading, 178; projierty owners 
ordered to pave sidewalks, 178; 
... (i. i)laiiued. 122;... (iold. laid 
out. 122; acceiited by city, 178; 

H, jilanned. 122; sevvers "built, 178; 

— L planned, 122; sewers built, 
178; K, planned, 122; . .. L, 
planned, 122; . Lowland, ;aftei- 
ward Mercer) , 175; . . , M, planned , 
122; ..Mercer, (formerly Low- 
land) 175; ...Mt. Washington 
Ave., extended 2(X); approach to 
S. B., 277; . . N, planned, 122; ... 
Ninth, iilanned, 121: . O, jilan- 
ned, 122;.. ..old Harbor, 11, planned, 

122; ...Ontario, l,sO; I', planned, 

122; — (,». jilamied, 122; Quiiicy, 

accejited by city, 178; 180, . . 
Second, phinned and laid out, 121; 
ordered to be extended by the 
Board of Aldermen, in 1831, 147; 
sewers built, 177; more sewers, 
178; extended through City Lands, 
180; ...Seventh, iilanned," 121; . . 
Silver, laid out, 122: accepted by 
city, 178;... Sixth, i.launed, 121: 



INDEX 



.Soutliainpton, change of grade Tolls, on Dorclu'stcv and Milton 



by abolition Dorchester Ave 
crossing, 19S; aiii)roacli to S. B., 
278; .. Strandway, Tlie, laid ont, 
203; work proiiit'sscd favorably, 
204;.. .Siniimf'r St. Extension, 
new tlKiroiiulifare made neces- 
sary, 20(1; aiiproach to S. B., 277; 
I>ra'i'ticallv a street of bridges, 
290; . >S\\"an, 201; . . Swett, early 
agitation for tlioronglifare to 
Ebxiiury results fav()ral)ly, 20;i; 
... Tclegra))!!, planned, 122; ... 
Third, planned and laid ont, 121: 
sewer built, 17S: extended tlu-ouuli 
City Lands, iso; Thomas I'ark. 
290: ...Tudor, laid out, 122; ... 
Turniiike, 112, 117; milest-ne, 120; 
l.">0: paved, 158; portion of it iu> 
cepted by city, 178. 

Strong, (U)v., 110, 132. 

Suffolk Countv, 24, 113, 134. 

Suffolk, Eng.,'l(;5. 

Suffolk (ilass Works, sketch, 238. 

Suffolk Lead ^^'orks, 230. 

Suffolk Medical Soc, 170. 

Sullivan, J. W., only cigarmaker, 171; 

Gen., 79, 81, 84; Thos. F., 213. 
Suninei',Ebenezer, 45; Increase, 95; 
.Tezeziah, 45; Mr., 78; Samuid. 
Ensign, 45; Sanniel, Sergt., 45; 

Wni. 14, 2(», 38. 

Supreme, Court, Col. Shay prevents 

session, 95; 130. 
Swamps, in Dorchester Neck, 23; in 

S. B., l.so. 
" Swanland. ■ doomed to destruction, 

201. 
Swift, Obadiah, 39: Thos., 15. 20; \Vm., 

45. 
Sylvester's JNLichine Shops, 239. 

TAFT'S TA^'EK^^ Dedliam, ir.9. 

Talbot, Joshua, 15. 

Tarc[uin. ship, 145. 

Taunton, 37. 

Taxes, stat(>, town and county, in 
1804, with names of tax payers, 
lOG; thirtv largest tax payers in 

S. B., 1.S52, 1.S2. 

Taylor, Julius, boots and shoes, 171. 

Tehan, Timothy J., died in Spanish 
War, 210. 

Teleuraidi Hill, purchased for a pub- 
lic park, is:;; 285. 

Templf. Jas., 107. 

Terrv. Steplieii, 15, 18. 

Tewksb\irv, loo. 

Thacher, Geo. C, 124; his foundry, 
173. 

Thanksgiving, (first in S. B.,) 12; .59. 

Thayer, Mrs., school tcaciier, 145; 
Thos., hou.se, 138. 



quent 



407 



Turnpike, 114. 

Tolman, John, 45. 

Tooniey, John J., on conunittec Dor- 
chester Heights momnnent, 47(1 

Topham, John, boots and shoes, 171. 

Topograi)hy, many changes in the 
surface, 285; but three distinct 
elevations, 'J85. 

Town meetings, quite interesting, 58. 

Tories, 81. 

Training dav, in 1(141, 2". ; fii 
1774, lOO.' 

Tremont, o. 

Tremont Cycle idub, histoiv 

Trescott. John. 37; Jos., 4.%'. 

Trials, of witches, 49. 

Trimount. 154. 

Trimountaine, 0, 13. 

Trise(dt, Samntd,45. 

Troubles, etc., terrible frost in 1740, 
.58; great scarcity of grain, 58; 
searcily of corn in I74s. 58; ter- 
rible drought in 1749. 5s. 

Trumbull, Gov.. 7(; ; Wni., (hv lioods. 
171 

Tuckerman..ros,, Rev., school named 
after him. :'.43. 

Tuckerman Scdiool. location, history, 
etc.,:;43. 

Tudor. Wni.. l(i(i, l<il, 1(I4, 107, los. 

TiUly, SanuKd, i:i4. 

Turner, Nathainel, ('apt., 41. 

Turnjiike, Dorchester and Milton. 

114 ; 122. 
Turnpike, The, 122, 131. Us, i.5(i, 17C. ; 
portion of it accepted In the eiiv. 
17S. 
Tuthilll, Francis, 15; Joshua, 15. 
Twidlth Ward Hotel, 120, 170 
Twin Hills, 23,55, 1G7. 



UNDE1;HILL, JOHN, Capt., 44. 

Union Cemetery, history, etc., 398 

Union Works, 2:!5. 

ITnitaiians, Xk>. 

United Colonies, C, 87. 

United States (derivation), ti, 95, : 

132, 133, 161. 
Unity Chapel remodelled, 190. 
United States recruiting service, : 
United States troops. 1;«. 
Universalist, IM. :r'..55. 
Universalist Church, 1(;(>, 
Upsal, Nicholas, 15, 18, 20. 



VENTKESS, M., carpenter, 170. 
"Village The," (13. 142. 143, 227. 
Vincent, Col., house, 1('>(;. 
Mning & Allen, bakers, 172. 

WADE, RICHARD, 20. 

W;idsworth, Alexander, 147, 



Thonms, John, Gen., 68, 76; march to W;iit, Gilbert, 230. 

Dorchester Heights, 77; re- " " ' ' 

inforced, 79; 82; letter to his wife, 

85; 86, 88, 159; John, Jr., (Col.) 85, 

86. 
Thomas Park, 159; origination, lay- 
ing out, etc., 296. 
Thompson, David, 4, 36; John, 36; 

Mr., 168. 
Thompson's Island, 34, 36, 267; "Farm 

School," 267-268. 
Thornton, Thos., 15. 
Thurston, C., lundier dealer, 172. 
Ticknor Scliool, location, description 

etc., 336. 
Ticonderoga, 68, 76. 
Tighe, Jas. T., 224. 
Tilden, Edward, dry goods, 171; N 



Walbridge, Levi, 2.3'^. 

Wales, Ebenezer, 101 : Nathaniel. 21: 

Thos. B., 180. 
Walford, Thos., 10. 
Walker, H., 170; Moses W.. teacher. 

Hawes School. 220. 
Walles, Eleazer, 4.5. 
Walsh, Jas. F., 211 ; 215. 
Walworth .Mnfg. Co., 96. 
Wainpanoags, 44 
War of 1812, 123., 125; causes post- 

ponent of S. B. growth, 127 ; de 



Wars.— Civil, 141, 165; caii.ses ac- 
tivity in business, and falling oft' 
in value of jtroiierty, 1,85; out- 
break, 1S7; I'uhiski ("luards, 187; 
numbers who went to war, 189; 
Lincoln Guards, 192; Home 
(luards, 192: (ien. Lee's sur- 
leiider ends the war, 192; ...King 
I'hillips, 44;. .of 1812, 123, 125, 127; 
declared, 132; peace dedar-d, 
134; 1:j8, 141, 160, l(i5 ;.... Spanish- 
American, S. B. bovsi)articii)ate, 
21(1 ; declared, 210 '; blowing up 
of liattleship .Maine, 210; Mass. 
Iro(>])s quick to respond, 21(i ; 
Ninth Regt. goes to So. Framing- 
ham. 211 : proceeds to Cuba, 
212; story of tlie '.ith at Cuba, 
212; siilferings and deaths in 
C(d)a, 213; heroes from S. B., 215; 
names of those who died, 216. 
Washbinirs Wire Works, sketch, 

2:'.6. 
Washington, Geo., Gen,, 1, 2, (>,5 ; 
struck the lirst and most tidling 
lilow in S. B.,(k5: takes command 
(d the army in Cambridge, 68; 
his iiidgment vindicated, 69; 
writes letter t() Congress describ- 
ing att;iek on Dorchester Neck, 
7(1; 7-1; lack of animiiiiition deters, 
74: le;irs lest the British ad- 
vance, 75; determines to inarcdi 
on Dorchester lleii:hts, 76-77: 
oil Dorchivster Heigiits, 7S-79-.so ; 
disaiii>oinled, 81 ; what his plans 
were. SI; anxious to save blood- 
shed. .s2; continues preparations 
of defense, .s_> ; 86; determined to 
fortify Nook Hill, S6-S7 ; writes 
totlu"' President of Congress, 82, 
87 and S9 ; master mind. s9 ; vote 
of thanks and medal from Con- 
gress. 90 : description of medal, 
91; goes to New York. 92 ; cor- 
rection, 479. 
Washington family, 92. 
Washington Gardens, 170. 
Washington Cuards, 159. 
Washington's Letters, to I're.«. Haa- 
(■o(d\ of tlie Continental Congres.s, 
.S'j ; to the iiresident of Congress, 
87; to Jos. Reed, 88; receives one 
from ( Ongress containing expres- 
sion of thanks, 90. 
Washington Medal, Congress orders 
one, 911; description and illustra- 
tion of, 91; changes hands and 
liiially in jiossession of Bost()n 
Public Librarv, 92. 
Washington l'ost32, G. A. R., history, 

etc., 409. 
Washington School, Ticknor School 

once know n by that name. :?36. 
Washingloii \illage, 1'20, 138, 146; an- 
nexed to Boston, 18;}; assumes snf- 
licienl i)roportions for a school, 
194 : a proving ground, 208; 288. 
"Watch, The," 131. 
Water, excellent drinking water in 
S. B., 140 : trench near D St., 140 ; 
formerly t;iken from wells, 1.58; 
taken from tlie Cochituate Works, 
1.58: introduction by reservoir, 
15.'; ... mill, (first) 19. 
Waterhotise. Thos., Rev., .36, 37. 



clared, 132 ; peace declared, 134 ; Waters. T. S.. barber, 1 



138, 141, 160, 165. 

Ward. Artemas, Gen., 70, 70; with 

500 men marched over th(! Neck 

into S. B.,87; 94; Col., 73. 



H.,' carpcnte'r, 170] W.'h., 'dry Wardens, (School c<inimittee), .'ifi. 

goods iv" 171 Wards, number when Boston be- 
'.ston. Cornelius, 45: Onisepherus, came a city; 131; S. B. becomes 

107; Thos., 1,5, 46; Timothy, 42. one by itse f 152. 



Tile 



Tilley, John, 15. 

Tisdale, Daniel, carpenter, 146. 

Tiverton, 44. 

Tobey, Jos., carpenter, 170. 

Tollhouse, 137. 



Ware, Heiirv, 44. 

Warhain, John, Rev.. S, 10, 15, 18, .32 : 

death of, 33 ; 47, 48. 
Warren Association, owners of Mt. 

Washington Hotel. 15(i. 



Watertown, 6, 10; name changed to, 
13. 20. 

Way, Geo., 21; Hem y. 15. 

" Way to go down to the Beach," lo- 
cation, 22. 

" Way to Mr. Foster's," 22. 

" Way to I'owow Boint," 22, 41, 56, 71, 
138. 

"Way to the Castle," 21, 40. 41. hh. 
57", 63, 70, 71, 77, 98. 

" Way to the Nook," 22, (B. 



INDEX 



Weeks, Anuii-l. :!.s, 4."i: 1). A., carpen- 
ter, 170: <;e(i.. n : .los., 4.",; Thos., 
45. 

Welcli. Jolni. piuvisioii dealer, 171. 

Well, K. M., Kev. Dr., School, 174. 185. 

M'eviiioulli, Nicholas. 44. 

Wevmouth, l'4, 44: En^'., i:t. 

Wharf and Wharves, one built near 
the Dorchester Turnpike. 114: 
the first wharf, i:!l ; Boston. 12:^,, 
171; Marsh's, IM; Shine's, 17.s. 

Wheeler, Lot. pioneer ship builder, 
liT. : Sanniel, 131. 

Wheeler's Point, 113, 114, 11.5. 

Wheelwriglit. Lot, 11.5, 144; sliiiiv:iril. 
174. 

Whigs, in favor of North P>ridy,e, 115. 

Whitconib, Col., 80: John, -21. 

White, Amos T., -224; Ebenezer, .51: 
Edward, -21 ; Henry H., 181; Jas.. 
39, 41 ; sketch, 51; 52, .53, 57, '.18, i)i) ; 
John, Rev., 4, 7; of New England 
colonization, important promo- 
ter, 7; 8, 10, 13, 32, 47; Mamlce P., 
master JJncoln School, 344; elec- 
ted snpervisor of schools, 470 ; 
Wm. H., Lieut., 215. 

White house, .53. 

Whiti <■ Line coaches. 1.50. 

"Wliitc I'ines," ICA. 

Whitlield, John, 15, 21. 

Whiting, Albert T., 223. 

Whitman, ISIr.,21. 

Whitney house, 2(9. 

Whiton, Jolni C, Col., master House 
of Correction, 423. 

Whittemore, Benj. B., 163, 175; rector 
Universalist Church, 388; Mr., 
house, 142. 



Whitten, (ieo. J., died in Spanish 
war, 210. 

Wiatte, Edward, 45. 

Wiley, Samuel P., died in Spanish 
War, 216. 

Wilkins, Bray, 15, 21. 

Williams, Diivid. I(i7: Ebenezer, 39; 
John, 37. 96; John D., 131; Mr., 
house, (13: Mr., house, 142; 174: 
Mr., house on F St., 143; Koger, 
5, 1.5, IS, 50; Thos., Capt., 95; 
Thos., Jr., 95. 

Wihnarths, Seth, 137. 174. 

Wilson.HenryW .C01..224; J.W.F., 
apotheraiv, 170 ; Jaliez, 139 ; Kev , 
34. 

Wilton, David, 15. 

Windmill Point, los, 173. 

Windsor, Conn., 19, 33. 

Winslow, Cen., 124, 137. 

Winter Hill, OO, 74. 

WInthrop, John, (iov.. .5. 6. 10, 12, 13, 
47. 

Wise, Catherine, 51. 

Wiswall, Ichabod, 37. 

Wiswell, Deacon, 39; Ebenezer, 98; 
J':noch 39. 50, 51, 55, 72, 98; Hannah, 
98: lehaliod, 9S ; John, 36, 72,95, 
96, 9s ; ( )li ver, sketch, 51 ; removal 
to tlie Neck, .55; house, 60; Oliver 
Jr., .53, .55, 57, 00, (53, 71, 72, 98; 
Sanuu-1. 98 ; Thos., 21, 34, .50, 98. 

Wiswell family, 50, 55. 

Wiswell estate, 23, 50. 

Wiswell house, 53; location, 55, 64, 71. 

Witham, Wm. A., deputy master, 
House of Correlation, 424. 

Withington. Elizabeth, ,56; Hannah, 
r>i'<: Henry, Elder, 51; Hopestill, 



71; Jas., Jr., 96; John, Capt., 41 
45; Sketch, 51; .53, .56, 71 : .Jos., 95 
Mather, 120,122,147; Mr., 21, 34 
Kichard, 39, 51 ; will of, 56; hon.se 
60; 98; Sanuiel, .56; Samuel, 101 
Susannah. 56. 

Withiuirton estate: 41, .51, 52, 98. 

\\'itlunuton house, 53; description, 
.56: 71. OS. 

Wolcott, Henry, 9. 15, is, 4.s. 

Wood, .fas., i:',(;, 143; Zi'phania, 130, 
•-'19. 

Woods, Frank, F.,4.59; Master, house, 
14(1; S A., 459. 

Woods. (S. A.) Machine Co., history 
and location, 4.58-459. 

Woodward, Jos., 98, 100, 107, 114 ; 
iiouse, 143 ; sketch, 225. 

Woolridge, John, 15, 18. 

Worcester, 95 ; County, 46. 

Workingmen's Protective Union, No. 
3, 173. 

Wrentliam, 18. 

Wright, All)ert J.. 182; house, '209; 
223; Henry, 15, 21; Jas., hou.se, 
139; 165; lUchard. '21; Wm., 117: 
Wm. W. 136, 165; & Hasty, 181. 

Wright's Court, 138. 

Wright's house, 138; still standing, 
209. 

Writs of Assistance, CO. 

YORK, J. H., Dr., 170. 



TO THE PURCHASERS 

OF THE 

TOOMEY- RANKIN 

History of South Boston 



Give your name and address io ihe one of whom you 
purchase this History of South Boston. The authors and 
publishers desire, as tar as possible, to have the name and 
address of each purchaser of a History of South Boston. 
No promise is made to that elTect, l)ut it may be that, from 
time to time, additions niay be made to the History, and 
later events from those published in this book may l)e put 
into print. It will be the wish of the publishers in sucli 
an event, to send to each purchaser, without charge, sucli 
additions as may thus occur. 

Freely express your honest opinion concerning the 
History to your friends and acquaintances. It is believed 
by the authors and publishers that no severe criticism can 
be made of this booiv. Tliousands of dollars have been spent 
in its publication. Every loyal citizen of South Boston, and 
every former resident, should co-operate in the success of 
the undertaking, and, in a way, become an agent for it, by 
spreading broadcast a favorable word, and recommending it 
to all who are interested in South Boston. 



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OCT 2 ? I9U9 



